Ear zaps could help shed extra pounds when drugs fall short

NCT ID NCT07619989

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the ear (taVNS) can help overweight or obese people lose more weight when they haven't lost enough on the medication tirzepatide alone. 24 participants will receive either active ear stimulation or a sham (fake) stimulation for 12 weeks, alongside their regular medication. The main goal is to see if the active stimulation leads to greater weight loss.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) plus tirzepatide
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help people lose more weight when medication alone isn't enough.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with only 24 people, so results may not apply broadly. The nerve stimulation may cause discomfort or not provide added benefit.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder Overweight

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OBESITY & OVERWEIGHT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Endocrinology, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
RECRUITING

Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China

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