Virtual Body Project Groups Led by Peers Versus Clinicians

Effectiveness of the Body Project to Prevent Eating Disorders in Young Females at Risk: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of illnesses associated with significant psychological and physiological consequences. Overall, only 20% of individuals with EDs receive treatment and treatment is effective for only about 25-35% for those who receive care. The development and implementation of effective prevention approaches for those at risk is therefore pivotal. The Body Project is the most effective ED prevention program for at-risk females according to meta-analyses, but reach has been limited since delivery has traditionally been in-person. Further research is warranted to examine cost-effective and easily accessible approaches to increase scalability and potential for broad implementation. With this application, the investigators therefore propose to examine the effectiveness of the Body Project in young females, a high-risk group, with the following main novel aspects: i) virtually-delivered Body Project groups to maximize reach; ii) peer-led versus clinician-led virtually-delivered Body Project groups; iii) the inclusion of objective measures to assess engagement of intervention targets (i.e., mediator).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 16-25
• Female identifying
• Self-reported body image concerns

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ongoing eating disorder diagnosis requiring treatment or hospitalization