The Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW) is a world leading clinical academic group that aims to advance knowledge of the psychobiological, genetic and social causes and consequences of eating and weight disorders, and to use that knowledge to develop new and better treatments.
We work closely with patients and carers, our clinical colleagues in the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and our partners from the NIHR Maudsley BRC Theme on Eating Disorders and Obesity and many others national and international collaborators.
Our mission is:
- To address research questions that matter to all people affected by eating and weight disorders.
- To provide a flourishing culture, critical mass, multi-disciplinary expertise & infrastructure to accelerate the depth, quality & speed of knowledge generation. Specifically, we want to attract, develop and engage in large national and international projects.
- To have the agility to respond to new societal challenges (e.g. food insecurity) and new opportunities (artificial intelligence, new technologies).
- To build on and strengthen our existing collaborative networks with academic, clinical, industry and Lived Experience partners. Specifically we want to develop collaborations with diverse clinical academic groups including those involved in weight related disorders.
- To produce the next generation of research leaders in eating and weight disorders. Specifically, we want to attract and develop talented early career researchers from both inside and outside the UK.
- To influence UK policy and practice in relation to research, treatment, services and training in eating and weight disorders.
Our flagship research projects
These include EDCRN, EDIFY and ESTRA, several novel treatment trials, such as non-invasive neuromodulation trials (RAISE and MINDED) and a psylocybin and forthcoming ketamine trial and the STORY study, our ambitious longitudinal cohort study. For a full list of current projects see details under the project tab.
Our selected impacts
These include the national roll out of FREED, our early intervention model; the development and dissemination of MANTRA, a NICE recommended therapy for adults with anorexia nervosa; development and dissemination of carer interventions; and the PEACE Pathway for people with neurodiversity and eating disorders.
CREW researchers have led the eating disorders task force of the World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry to update the international guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of eating disorders, and are currently developing an international consensus statement on the clinical use of biological markers in anorexia nervosa.
Our training programmes
Members of CREW lead national training programmes for clinicians, commissioned by Health Education England, such as Whole Team Training for Specialist Adult ED teams and MANTRA – for information on how to register contact Maudsley Learning. We also offer additional ad hoc training in FREED, PEACE and other topics.
Projects

COMP401: Multi-centre clinical trial to investigate psilocybin therapy in anorexia nervosa (COMP360)
The upcoming trial will compare the effects of COMP360 psilocybin when administered with psychological support, in 60 participants with anorexia nervosa.

Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network
Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network is a UK-wide NHS research network spanning child and adult eating disorder services.

Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI)
A project set up to support studies exploring risk factors for eating disorders

EDIFY
EDIFY is a four-year programme of research focused on how we understand and treat eating disorders in young people.

ESTRA: Earlier detection and stratification of eating disorders and comorbid mental illnesses
ESTRA aims to investigate the aetiology and underpinning mechanisms of eating disorders.

kEtamine for the treatment of DEpression with anorexia Nervosa (EDEN)
The EDEN trial aims to investigate the effect of ketamine in alleviating depression with a diagnosis of persisting anorexia and treatment-resistant depression

Mindfulness, eating behaviours and neuromodulation (MINDED)
The primary aim of MINDED is to assess the feasibility of using concurrent mindfulness training and tDCS in adults with overweight or obesity.

RaISE Trial: Non-invasive Neuromodulation for Young People with Anorexia Nervosa
The RaISE Trial investigates whether theta burst stimulation is helpful for young people with anorexia.

SOOTH-ED: Purrble's Soothing Touch for Eating Disorders and Autism
This project will enable a first deployment of Purrble in the context of individuals with co-occurring eating disorders and autism.

STORY study: Characterising Illness Stages and Recovery Trajectories of Eating Disorders in Young People
STORY is the first large-scale longitudinal study using RMT to investigate illness and recovery trajectories of EDs in young people..

Transition for Eating Disorder Youth intervention: Co‐producing an inclusive‐care model for young people transitioning from adolescent eating disorder services to adult care (TEDYi)
This study aims to develop a new intervention model Transitions for Eating Disorder Youth intervention to support young people with eating disorders.
Publications
Instruments
Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (EDSIS)
Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (EDSIS) scoring
Accommodating & Enabling Scale (AESED)
Accommodating & Enabling Scale (AESED) appendix
Caregiver Skills in Eating Disorders (CASK)
Caregiver Skills in Eating Disorders (CASK) scoring
A Guide to the Medical Risk Assessment for Eating Disorders
A School Nurse Guide to Eating Disorders
Books
Alexander J & Treasure J. A Collaborative Approach to Eating Disorders. 2012. Publisher: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-58146-2.
Birmingham L & Treasure J. Medical Management of Eating Disorders. Third Edition 2019. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 978-0-521-72710-5.
Himmerich H. Weight Management. 2020. Publisher: IntechOpen. ISBN: 978-1-83962-543-5.
Himmerich H, Jáuregui-Lobera I. 2019. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. Publisher: IntechOpen. ISBN: 978-1-78923-982-9
Hoek HW, Treasure, JL & Katzman MA. Neurobiology in the treatment of Eating Disorders. 1998. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-471-98102-8.
Langley J, Gill Todd, J Treasure. Training Manual for Skills- Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder 2018. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-8183-7836-5
Owen J, Treasure J & Collier D. Animal Models – Disorders of Eating Behaviour and Body Composition. 2001. Kluwer Academic press. ISBN: 0-7923-7095-3.
McNaught E & Treasure J & Pollard N. (2022): Eating Disorders. Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Psychiatry. Oxford University Press.
McNaught E, Treasure J, Griffiths J (2023), Eating Disorders. The Basics. Routledge, New York.
Nasser M, Baistow K & Treasure J (2007). The Female Body in Mind. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-38514-5 (hbk); 978-0-415-38515-2 (pbk).
Schmidt, U, Startup, H, Treasure (2017). A Cognitive-Interpersonal Therapy Workbook for Anorexia Nervosa for People with Anorexia Nervosa 2018. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-138-83289-3.
Schmidt U, Treasure J & Alexander J. Getting Better Bite by Bite: A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders. Second Edition 2015: Routledge. ISBN: 978-1138797376
Szmukler G & Treasure J. The Essential Handbook of Eating Disorders. 1995. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-47194327-4.
Tchanturia K (2019) Supporting Autistic People with Eating Disorders – Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN:978-1-78775-445-4
Tchanturia K (2015) Brief Group Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders: Inpatient protocols - Routledge ISBN: 978-1-13-88489
Tchanturia (2015) Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) for Eating and Weight Disorders. 2015; Routledge., ISBN: 978-1-138-79402-3
Treasure J, Schmidt U & Furth E. The Essential Handbook of Eating Disorders. 2005. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-470-01463-6.
Treasure J & Alexander J. Anorexia Nervosa: A Recovery Guide for Sufferers, Families and Friends 2nd Edition. 2013. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-63366-6 (hbk); 978-0-415-63367-3 (pbk), 978-0-203-64019-7.
Treasure J, MacDonald P & Schmidt U. (2009). A Clinicians Guide to Collaborative Care. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-48424-4 (hbk); 978-0-415-48425-1 (pbk).
Treasure J, Smith G & Crane A. Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder. (second edition) 2017. Publisher: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-138-82663-2.
News
Specialists from around the world come together to mark ten years of FREED
Experts by experience, clinicians and researchers mark a decade of FREED, First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders.
Researchers discover links between personality traits and eating disorder onset
A new study reveals further insight into the links between personality traits and the onset of eating disorder symptoms.

A showcase of research in eating and weight disorders celebrates the launch of CREW
A packed one-day showcase of inspirational talks and activities marked the opening of the new Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW) at...

Professor Kate Tchanturia elected President of the Eating Disorders Research Society
Professor Tchanturia has been elected as President to the prestigious international Eating Disorders Research Society (EDRS), the largest international...

Professor Ulrike Schmidt elected as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences
Professor Schmidt is one of 59 new Fellows to be elected to the prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences.

Events

EXHIBITION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a new exhibition exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

EXHIBITION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a new exhibition exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

EVENING RECEPTION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a evening reception exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

Research Showcase in Eating and Weight Disorders
Join us to celebrate the launch of the Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders at King's College London, and discover research from the NIHR...
Please note: this event has passed.
Projects

COMP401: Multi-centre clinical trial to investigate psilocybin therapy in anorexia nervosa (COMP360)
The upcoming trial will compare the effects of COMP360 psilocybin when administered with psychological support, in 60 participants with anorexia nervosa.

Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network
Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network is a UK-wide NHS research network spanning child and adult eating disorder services.

Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI)
A project set up to support studies exploring risk factors for eating disorders

EDIFY
EDIFY is a four-year programme of research focused on how we understand and treat eating disorders in young people.

ESTRA: Earlier detection and stratification of eating disorders and comorbid mental illnesses
ESTRA aims to investigate the aetiology and underpinning mechanisms of eating disorders.

kEtamine for the treatment of DEpression with anorexia Nervosa (EDEN)
The EDEN trial aims to investigate the effect of ketamine in alleviating depression with a diagnosis of persisting anorexia and treatment-resistant depression

Mindfulness, eating behaviours and neuromodulation (MINDED)
The primary aim of MINDED is to assess the feasibility of using concurrent mindfulness training and tDCS in adults with overweight or obesity.

RaISE Trial: Non-invasive Neuromodulation for Young People with Anorexia Nervosa
The RaISE Trial investigates whether theta burst stimulation is helpful for young people with anorexia.

SOOTH-ED: Purrble's Soothing Touch for Eating Disorders and Autism
This project will enable a first deployment of Purrble in the context of individuals with co-occurring eating disorders and autism.

STORY study: Characterising Illness Stages and Recovery Trajectories of Eating Disorders in Young People
STORY is the first large-scale longitudinal study using RMT to investigate illness and recovery trajectories of EDs in young people..

Transition for Eating Disorder Youth intervention: Co‐producing an inclusive‐care model for young people transitioning from adolescent eating disorder services to adult care (TEDYi)
This study aims to develop a new intervention model Transitions for Eating Disorder Youth intervention to support young people with eating disorders.
Publications
Instruments
Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (EDSIS)
Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (EDSIS) scoring
Accommodating & Enabling Scale (AESED)
Accommodating & Enabling Scale (AESED) appendix
Caregiver Skills in Eating Disorders (CASK)
Caregiver Skills in Eating Disorders (CASK) scoring
A Guide to the Medical Risk Assessment for Eating Disorders
A School Nurse Guide to Eating Disorders
Books
Alexander J & Treasure J. A Collaborative Approach to Eating Disorders. 2012. Publisher: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-58146-2.
Birmingham L & Treasure J. Medical Management of Eating Disorders. Third Edition 2019. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 978-0-521-72710-5.
Himmerich H. Weight Management. 2020. Publisher: IntechOpen. ISBN: 978-1-83962-543-5.
Himmerich H, Jáuregui-Lobera I. 2019. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. Publisher: IntechOpen. ISBN: 978-1-78923-982-9
Hoek HW, Treasure, JL & Katzman MA. Neurobiology in the treatment of Eating Disorders. 1998. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-471-98102-8.
Langley J, Gill Todd, J Treasure. Training Manual for Skills- Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder 2018. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-8183-7836-5
Owen J, Treasure J & Collier D. Animal Models – Disorders of Eating Behaviour and Body Composition. 2001. Kluwer Academic press. ISBN: 0-7923-7095-3.
McNaught E & Treasure J & Pollard N. (2022): Eating Disorders. Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Psychiatry. Oxford University Press.
McNaught E, Treasure J, Griffiths J (2023), Eating Disorders. The Basics. Routledge, New York.
Nasser M, Baistow K & Treasure J (2007). The Female Body in Mind. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-38514-5 (hbk); 978-0-415-38515-2 (pbk).
Schmidt, U, Startup, H, Treasure (2017). A Cognitive-Interpersonal Therapy Workbook for Anorexia Nervosa for People with Anorexia Nervosa 2018. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-138-83289-3.
Schmidt U, Treasure J & Alexander J. Getting Better Bite by Bite: A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders. Second Edition 2015: Routledge. ISBN: 978-1138797376
Szmukler G & Treasure J. The Essential Handbook of Eating Disorders. 1995. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-47194327-4.
Tchanturia K (2019) Supporting Autistic People with Eating Disorders – Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN:978-1-78775-445-4
Tchanturia K (2015) Brief Group Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders: Inpatient protocols - Routledge ISBN: 978-1-13-88489
Tchanturia (2015) Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) for Eating and Weight Disorders. 2015; Routledge., ISBN: 978-1-138-79402-3
Treasure J, Schmidt U & Furth E. The Essential Handbook of Eating Disorders. 2005. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-470-01463-6.
Treasure J & Alexander J. Anorexia Nervosa: A Recovery Guide for Sufferers, Families and Friends 2nd Edition. 2013. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-63366-6 (hbk); 978-0-415-63367-3 (pbk), 978-0-203-64019-7.
Treasure J, MacDonald P & Schmidt U. (2009). A Clinicians Guide to Collaborative Care. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-48424-4 (hbk); 978-0-415-48425-1 (pbk).
Treasure J, Smith G & Crane A. Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder. (second edition) 2017. Publisher: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-138-82663-2.
News
Specialists from around the world come together to mark ten years of FREED
Experts by experience, clinicians and researchers mark a decade of FREED, First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders.
Researchers discover links between personality traits and eating disorder onset
A new study reveals further insight into the links between personality traits and the onset of eating disorder symptoms.

A showcase of research in eating and weight disorders celebrates the launch of CREW
A packed one-day showcase of inspirational talks and activities marked the opening of the new Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW) at...

Professor Kate Tchanturia elected President of the Eating Disorders Research Society
Professor Tchanturia has been elected as President to the prestigious international Eating Disorders Research Society (EDRS), the largest international...

Professor Ulrike Schmidt elected as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences
Professor Schmidt is one of 59 new Fellows to be elected to the prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences.

Events

EXHIBITION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a new exhibition exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

EXHIBITION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a new exhibition exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

EVENING RECEPTION: Challenging Perspectives: A visual exploration of diverse experiences of eating disorder recovery
Join us for a evening reception exploring diverse journeys into recovery from eating disorders, the images and objects that represent these.
Please note: this event has passed.

Research Showcase in Eating and Weight Disorders
Join us to celebrate the launch of the Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders at King's College London, and discover research from the NIHR...
Please note: this event has passed.