The WELL Center provides state-of-the art, evidence-based treatment for weight management, eating disorders and related conditions.

To participate complete our Interest Survey

Interest Survey

Types of Research at the WELL Center

Clinical Trials

A core mission of the WELL Center is to improve treatments for eating and weight disorders and for health promotion. In our clinical trials, we evaluate the effectiveness of new cognitive, behavioral and technology-based treatments. Participants in a clinical trial receive free state-of-the-art treatment.

Clinical trials are currently offered for the following individuals.

• Adults seeking weight loss: We are currently recruiting for several, large National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trials investigating new cognitive and behavioral treatments for weight loss. Most studies provide about 20 sessions of treatment over the course of one year, at no cost to participants. The focus of the programs is on learning skills to change eating and exercise behaviors. Often sessions are provided in a group format, similar to a class. All programs are provided via video conference or telephone.

• Adults with Binge Eating, Loss-of-Control or Compulsive Eating: The WELL Center is conducting several trials evaluating novel behavioral treatments it has developed, innovative “brain training” games designed to help people take control of their binge eating as well as digital self-help treatments designed to reduce body image disturbance in individuals with binge eating who do not otherwise have access to evidence-based treatments.

• Young adults concerned about weight gain: Project Health is designed to help young adults adopt healthier lifestyle habits, reduce current weight concerns, and prevent unhealthy weight gain. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Project Health website, email projecthealth@drexel.edu, or call 215-553-7161.

• Teenagers with Eating Disorders: The WELL Center Child and Adolescent Program is recruiting teens with eating disorders, binge eating, or loss-of-control eating into Family Safety Net. The Child and Adolescent Program is also recruiting teens for Project REACH, a group-treatment study designed to help teens with and without eating disorders live healthier, happier lives.

• Teenagers seeking weight loss and a healthier lifestyle: The WELL Center Child and Adolescent Program is recruiting teens for Project REACH, a National Institutes of Health-funded group-based treatment program which is designed to help teens eat a more balanced diet, engage in physical activity, and lead a healthier life.

• Parents of adolescents currently receiving Family Based Treatment may be eligible to participate in an Emotion Coaching Intervention focused on improving family communication. If interested, start the enrollment process or email cmt389@drexel.edu. Please note, this is a separate interest survey from the one listed above! 

Basic Research Studies

In basic research trials, we aim to learn more about how different psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral variables work together to explain our eating and health behaviors. Participants are paid to compensate for participating in basic research trials. Examples include a study evaluating how eating affects the biochemistry of people’s bodies, a study of the brain mechanisms involved in gaining enjoyment from eating and non-eating rewarding activities, and a study assessing how within-person within-day variations in various internal (e.g. emotions) and external (e.g. stressors) factors relate to problematic eating behaviors.

To participate in any of the above studies (with the exception of Project Health) complete our INTEREST SURVEY