BY: Rachel Guerra, UNITE Study Coordinator

Eating and weight concerns can take a toll on your health and well-being. They can also affect your relationships. Partners often don’t know what to say or do or how to support their loved one who is having problems with eating.

Drs. Cynthia Bulik, Donald Baucom, and Jennifer Kirby are currently conducting a study at the University of North Carolina examining two different treatments for binge-eating disorder (BED). Individuals with BED find themselves eating large amounts of food and feeling out of control. Or, they feel like once they start eating, it is sometimes hard to stop. The study consists of 16 weeks of evidence-based treatment at NO COST. Participants also receive payment for participating in assessments.

If you are an adult, have been in a committed relationship for at least 6 months, and are currently dealing with BED or have a partner who currently has BED, you may be eligible.

How do you know if you or your partner might have BED? Here are some signs:

• Eating feels out of control (for example, once you start eating you can’t seem to stop)
• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, or distressed after eating
• Eating in secret
• Eating large quantities of food in a short period of time

If you would like to learn more about the study, please contact the Research Coordinator, Rachel Guerra, via email (UNITE@unc.edu) or phone (984) 974-3802. 

You may also read more about the study here.

This study has been approved by the UNC Biomedical IRB #18-1379.