Zapping the brain to curb cravings: new hope for veterans with obesity
NCT ID NCT05225233
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training, can help veterans with obesity reduce impulsive behavior and lose weight. About 124 veterans will be randomly assigned to receive either real or fake stimulation during training sessions. The goal is to see if this approach can improve self-control and lead to lasting weight loss.
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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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About 124 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
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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18 to 80 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: * Veteran enrolled in a MOVE! Weight Management Program (group or individual) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System * Obese (BMI\>30 or BMI\>27 plus at least one weight-related comorbidity) * Able to understand English, self-consent and follow study-related procedures * Willing to use a reliable form of birth control if they are of females of child-bearing potential Exclusion Criteria: * History of any of the following: seizures, severe or moderate head injury, head surgery, significant neurological disorder (significance based on Principal Investigator's judgment) * Frequent severe headaches * History of scalp conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis * Metal in head (other than in mouth) including shrapnel/surgical clips/welding fragments * Implanted medical devices (including pumps and cardiac pacemakers) * Pregnancy * Acute substance dependence or withdrawal that would affect ability to complete cognitive training * Moderately severe to severe depression (as identified on PHQ-9 scale during baseline screening) * Other psychological or medical disorders requiring inpatient treatment (as identified during chart review) * Presence of a known metabolic or hormonal disorder (such as Cushing's, untreated thyroid dysfunction, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus defined as a hemoglobin A1c \> 8.0), or significant edema/volume overload - all of which would affect weight * Uncontrolled hypothyroidism that would affect weight
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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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Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States
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