Zap your way thin? brain stimulation trial targets obesity
NCT ID NCT00739362
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 11 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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
NIDDK, Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, United States
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