Brain zaps for weight loss: tiny study explores deep brain stimulation against obesity
NCT ID NCT01933113
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a brain area called the lateral hypothalamus could help control severe obesity. Three people who already had DBS electrodes implanted took part. Researchers measured changes in their metabolic rate to find the best stimulation settings. The goal was to manage the disease, not cure it.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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3 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2013
- Finished
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Jul 2015
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Prior placement of LHA DBS in accordance with previous study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Not a participant of the original LHA DBS study * Prior brain surgery, excluding the placement of LHA DBS * Taking medications with a recognized adverse event of weight change. * Diagnosis of a neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. * Concurrent use of weight-loss prescription drug therapy or the use of over- the-counter weight loss preparations. * Unable to participate in scheduled study visits
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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
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Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212, United States
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