New research highlights potential of digital therapy for binge eating disorder
Date added: 10 August 2026
Last updated: 10 August 2026
New research involving Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust highlights how supported digital therapy could help NHS services provide accessible, flexible treatment for people with binge eating disorder.
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, evaluated supported digital enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E) delivered as part of routine NHS eating disorder care.
The trust’s All-Age Eating Disorder Service (AAEDS) contributed to the delivery and evaluation of the programme, which combines CBT-E delivered via smartphone app and website alongside support from trained mental health practitioners.
Adults experiencing symptoms of binge eating disorder completed 12 sessions on the smartphone app or website, usually taking around 10-20 minutes per session to complete, delivered over 8-12 weeks. This was alongside online sessions with a mental health wellbeing practitioner, who provided guidance and support to follow the programme.
The study found that people who completed the programme experienced fewer binge eating episodes and reductions in eating disorder symptoms, alongside improvements in wellbeing and mood. Patients also reported that the programme was easy to access, fitted around their lives and helped them stay engaged with treatment.
The findings suggest that supported digital CBT-E could provide another way for NHS services to deliver evidence-based treatment, while giving patients greater flexibility in how they receive care.
Dr Susie Greenwood, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust and study author, said: “We are delighted to see this research published. Binge eating disorder can have a significant impact on people’s lives, and getting help early is important.
“Our findings show that supported digital CBT-E can work well alongside existing NHS services and could help more people access effective treatment when they need it.”
The research forms part of wider work to understand how digital approaches can complement established NHS treatment pathways. By combining online therapy with support from trained practitioners, the programme provides flexibility without removing the clinical support that patients need.
Sara Boorman, Interim Service Director for All-Age Eating Disorder Service at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “This research shows how innovation can help us develop services around the needs of the people we support. As demand for eating disorder services continues to increase, it is important that we explore different ways of providing safe, effective and evidence-based care.
“We are proud that our All-Age Eating Disorder Service played a part in this study. Digital treatment offers another option for people who may benefit from a more flexible approach, while maintaining the clinical support that is so important in eating disorder care.”
The research adds to growing evidence around digital mental health interventions and demonstrates how research and innovation can help inform the future development of NHS services.
The full research paper, Implementing Supported Digital Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder in Routine Care: Mixed Methods Service Evaluation, is available to read on the Journal of Medical Internet Research website: www.jmir.org/2026/1/e92069
