Ear zaps to curb cravings? tiny study tests vagus nerve stimulation on appetite and blood sugar

NCT ID NCT07457372

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 5 times

Summary

This small study will test whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear can affect blood glucose levels, food cravings, and the urge to move in healthy young adults aged 18-35. Eight participants will receive both active and sham stimulation to see if there's a measurable difference. The goal is to understand basic body responses, not to treat any disease.

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) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help us understand how the vagus nerve influences appetite and blood sugar, possibly pointing toward new ways to manage cravings or metabolism.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 8 healthy participants, so results may not apply to the general public or people with medical conditions. The stimulation is non-invasive and low-risk, but the study hasn't started yet.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, United States

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