Could magnetic pulses curb overeating? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06639594
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can help people with impulse control disorders, specifically excessive eating. Researchers will enroll 30 adults aged 21 to 60 with a BMI over 30 to receive personalized, accelerated rTMS sessions. The main goal is to check safety and side effects, while also seeing if it reduces impulsive eating behaviors.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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21 to 60 years
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 21 to 60 2. BMI\>30 (confirmed at in person visit) 3. Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study. 4. Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached. 5. Subjects must report current stable residence. Stable residence is a domicile in which an individual can operate as if it were their own homestead and does not include shelters, halfway houses, treatment centers, or group homes. 6. Meet safety criteria for EEG and rTMS. 7. Willing and able to independently remove any metal from the neck and above for rTMS procedures (e.g., jewelry, retainer) 8. Provides written informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures. 9. Agrees to complete telehealth (live audio-video conference and phone) and in-person visits and to be contacted via text. Exclusion Criteria 1. rTMS exposure for treatment or research purposes in the last 6 months. 2. History of seizure, epilepsy, syncope, fainting episode, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness. 3. Presence or history of neurological disorders (migraine, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), increased intracranial pressure). 4. History of brain surgery, implanted electronic device, metal in the head. 5. Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) 6. History of or currently under medical care for myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke, or transient ischemic attack. 7. Reported history of vision problems that are not treated. 8. Has a hairstyle not compatible with the EEG net that is required to be worn on the scalp during the experimental procedure. 9. Reports current diagnosis or history of type I diabetes. 10. Currently using insulin. 11. Have undergone bariatric surgery. 12. Currently being enrolled in a weight loss program 13. Takes any prescription or over the counter medications or supplements to control weight and/or appetite. 14. Self-report a history of or current diagnosis of a mental health condition. 15. Reports insomnia (\<4 hours sleep per night, in 3 or more nights per week in the last 3 months) 16. Reports (\<4 hours of sleep) the day of the visit. 17. Reports using marijuana on a daily basis. 18. Reports having used any other illicit drugs (other than marijuana) or prescription medications for non-medical reasons in the last 12 months. 19. Currently receiving treatment for substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, or stimulants). 20. Females who report averaging more than 7 alcoholic drinks, or males who report averaging more than 14 alcoholic drinks in a single week in the last 30 days. 21. Current use of certain medications (last 3 months): * Investigational drugs. * Drugs of anti or pro-convulsive action. Medications with psychotropic effects (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics). * Medications known to increase risk of seizure taken within 1 week of enrollment. * Smoking cessation medication (e.g., Zyban, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Chantix). 22. Being pregnant or lactating 23. Reported allergies to chocolate or any ingredient in the M\&M candies. 24. Noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus. 25. Currently participating in any other research study. 26. Any otherwise not specified medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician 27. Subjects considered by the investigator as unsuitable for the study for reasons not otherwise stated.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
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