Preventing eating disorders in the digital age: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the digitalized body project in university women

Background University students are at elevated risk of developing an eating disorder. The dissonance-based Body Project effectively reduces body dissatisfaction and thin-ideal internalization. Digital adaptations might enhance scalability and accessibility. Objective The present manuscript describes the study protocol for a randomized controlled trial among university women in the Netherlands that applies a digitalized version of the Body Project within a preventive framework. Methods Dutch university students (N = 180) will be randomized to the experimental condition, the Digitalized Body Project, or a waitlist control condition. The intervention includes four weekly web-based group sessions supported by a digital platform offering psychoeducation and exercises. Primary outcomes will be changes in body dissatisfaction and thin-ideal internalization; secondary outcomes will be reduction in eating disorder symptoms, restrained eating, negative affect and self objectification. Feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated by both participants and by the group facilitators. Assessments take place at baseline (week 0), at post-intervention (week 4), and at 4-week (week 8) and 8-week (week 12) follow-up. Results The experimental condition is hypothesized to show greater reductions in body dissatisfaction and thin-ideal internalization compared to the waitlist control group. Feasibility and acceptability data will inform future implementation strategies. Conclusion The present study could provide preliminary evidence on the short-term efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a clinician- and peer-facilitated digital Body Project in the Dutch university context. The findings can inform refinements for future large-scale trials and practical implementation.