Bulimic-spectrum disorders, such as bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), are prevalent among eating disorders, impacting individuals’ well-being and quality of life significantly. Unfortunately, barriers to treatment access are substantial due to oversubscribed treatment centers and a focus on Anorexia Nervosa patients. This results in long waiting lists, which can lead to reduced engagement in treatment and poorer outcomes. Therefore, effective waitlist management and support are crucial.
The use of digital interventions for eating disorders has gained interest in recent years as they offer care without adding pressure to healthcare providers. However, their effectiveness is still being studied. In a recent randomized controlled trial, Vollert and colleagues (2024) investigated the effectiveness of a web-based guided self-help program called everyBody Plus for female patients with BN, BED, and OSFED. Results showed promising outcomes for the intervention group, indicating faster symptom reduction and overall improvement compared to the control group.
The study enrolled 337 female participants with BN, BED, or OSFED who were on waiting lists for psychological treatment in Germany or the UK. The everyBody Plus program included eight modules covering various topics, interactive elements such as group forums and homework tasks, and a weekly symptom monitoring diary. Participants in the intervention group experienced faster improvements in eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Overall, the intervention showed potential in bridging the treatment gap for bulimic-spectrum disorders.
Strengths of the study included its systematic methodology and validated measures, as well as the inclusion of 6- and 12-month follow-ups to assess long-term effects. However, limitations such as high dropout rates and lack of diversity in the sample suggest the need for further research in underrepresented populations and diverse healthcare systems. Future studies should also explore the efficacy of digital interventions in males and minority ethnic groups to improve overall care for individuals with eating disorders.
