Summary

EDGI is a large research study about eating disorders. It looks at why some people get eating disorders by learning from many people. This helps researchers learn more and improve care in the future.

What is the study about?

Eating disorders are problems that affect how people think and feel about food and their bodies. They can make people feel unwell and can affect daily life for a long time. Many people struggle with eating disorders, but we still do not fully know why they begin or why they last.

EDGI is a study that tries to answer these questions.
It looks at many parts of a person’s life, not just one thing.
By learning from many people, the study aims to build a clearer picture of eating disorders and how people can be better supported. If you would like to learn more, you can watch a short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG2aIwBWfOY 

What is the study trying to find out?

This study is trying to learn why eating disorders start and why they can last a long time. People who take part answer simple questions about their health, feelings, and life.
Some people also give a small spit sample. The team looks at answers from many people and checks what is often the same. They look for shared experiences or feelings that many people talk about. This helps them learn more about eating disorders and how care may be improved in the future.

What is the study trying to find out?

This study is trying to learn why eating disorders start and why they can last a long time. People who take part answer simple questions about their health, feelings, and life.
Some people also give a small spit sample. The team looks at answers from many people and checks what is often the same. They look for shared experiences or feelings that many people talk about. This helps them learn more about eating disorders and how care may be improved in the future.

What does taking part involve?

• If you decide to take part, you will first read information about the study and give your consent online. You can choose which parts of the study you would like to take part in.
• You will be asked to answer questions about your health, feelings, and life experiences. This usually takes about 30–45 minutes. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to.
• Some people will be sent a saliva sample kit by post. If you receive one, you will spit into a small tube at home and seal it. You will then send it back using a pre-paid envelope, so it does not cost you anything.
• You may be contacted in the future about other research studies. Taking part in future studies is always your choice, and you can say no at any time.
• You can stop taking part whenever you want, without giving a reason.

Who is it for?

If you live in England and have had or think you may have had an eating disorder at any time, we would like to hear from you.

We hope to find around 10,000 people across England to take part.

Why is it important?

Eating disorders can turn a person’s whole life upside down, yet there is still so much we do not know about why they start or who is most at risk.

This research is important because it looks at the full picture. It looks at genes, mental health and daily life rather than just one cause on its own. This helps build better knowledge about eating disorders.

By taking part, you help researchers learn more about eating disorders and support better care in the future.

We plan to share what we learn from this study. This may be through reports or journals. We will also share findings with parents, therapists, and health staff. Findings from the study may be used to help future research. Any details shared will be kept private.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page. You can also find out more information on the project’s website: https://edgiuk.org/ .

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, please email us using the link below: r&d@nelft.nhs.uk