Effectiveness of virtually delivered Body Project groups to prevent eating disorders in young women at risk: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of mental illnesses associated with significant psychological and physiological consequences. Overall, only about one-fifth of individuals with EDs receive treatment and treatment is effective for only about one-third 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 women according to several meta-analyses, but reach is limited since delivery, traditionally, has been in-person. Moreover, peer-led Body Project groups have been reported to produce stronger effects than clinician-led Body Project groups when delivered in-person. This has not yet been examined for virtually delivered Body Project groups. This study therefore seeks to investigate the effect of virtual Body Project groups delivered by peers versus clinicians on ED risk factors, ED symptoms, and prospective ED onset. METHODS: Young women with body image concerns aged 16–25 years (N = 441) will be included in the study and randomized to three conditions: (i) virtually delivered Body Project groups led by clinicians; (ii) virtually delivered Body Project groups led by peers; and (iii) psychoeducational control group. Participants will complete assessments at five timepoints over two years (pretest, posttest, 6-months, 1-year, and 2-years). DISCUSSION: Further research is needed to examine approaches to increase the potential for broad implementation of prevention of EDs. The virtual modality of the Body Project could markedly expand the reach for young women at risk. If findings confirm that peers can deliver virtual Body Project groups as effectively as clinicians, this will further enhance the implementation potential. Trial registration: The present study has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05993728).