Zap your way thin? brain stimulation trial targets obesity

NCT ID NCT00739362

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to a brain area involved in fullness can reduce food intake and promote weight loss. Over 4 weeks, 148 obese adults will receive either real or fake stimulation while following a reduced-calorie diet. The goal is to see if brain zapping makes it easier to stick to healthy eating.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, drug-free way to help people lose weight by curbing appetite.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (Phase 2) with only 148 participants. The effect may be small or temporary, and not everyone responds to brain stimulation.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

eating disorder Obesity obesity disorder Weight Loss

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • NIDDK, Phoenix

    RECRUITING

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••