RISK-EAT Study
The Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is currently recruiting adolescent girls and young adult women (ages 12-25) with and without eating disorder symptoms (e.g., concerns about body weight/shape, overeating or binge eating, purging, using laxatives, dieting severely, exercising excessively) for a research study. The goal of the study is to understand how attitudes toward risk-taking and brain responses to risk-taking affect eating disorder and other symptoms. Participants in this study will complete interviews and questionnaires about their eating and mental and physical health, and have their height and blind weight measured. Participants will additionally complete a few computer tasks, one during an fMRI brain scan and others outside of the scanner. Participants will then be asked to complete two weeks of remote follow-up, in which they will complete a computer task and daily reports of their eating and other behaviors and mood. Participants can receive up to $272, plus bonuses (ranging from $0 to $198 total). Some aspects of the study can be conducted remotely, and reimbursement may be available for some travel costs.
For more information, please contact the TREAT Lab at 804-827-4174 or treatlab@vcuhealth.org or click here.
EXPLORE Study
Beginning in early 2026, the Translational Research on Eating and Affect (TREAT) Lab at
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) will recruit female participants (ages 12-20) with and without eating disorder symptoms for a research study. The goal of the study is to understand how the development of learning and decision-making affect eating disorder and other symptoms. Participants in this study will complete interviews and questionnaires about their eating and mental and physical health, and have their height and blind weight measured. Participants will additionally complete a computer task during an fMRI brain scan. Participants will then be asked to complete annual follow-ups for two years, in which they will complete a computer task and interviews about their eating and mental and physical health. Participants can receive up to $240 total over time, plus bonuses (ranging from $0 to $30 total). Some aspects of the study can be conducted remotely.
Stay tuned to learn more about the study, or call the TREAT Lab at 804-827-4174 or
treatlab@vcuhealth.org.