TITLE
The Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Body Weight and Food Consumption in Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
SOURCE
Brain Stimulation. 12(6):1556-1564, 2019 Nov – Dec.
AUTHORS
Kim SH; Chung JH; Kim TH; Lim SH; Kim Y; Eun YM; Lee YA.
BACKGROUND
Although some studies have reported significant reductions in food cravings following the single-session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), there is little research on the effects of multi-session of rTMS on food consumption and body weight in obese subjects.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted 4-week randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial to examine the effect of rTMS on body weight in obese adults.
METHODS
Forty-three obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >=25kg/m2) aged between 18 and 70 years were randomized to the sham or real treatment group (21 in the TMS group and 22 in the sham treatment group). A total of 8 sessions of rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was provided over a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was weight change in kilograms from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in anthropometric measures, cardiovascular risk factors, food intake, and appetite.
RESULTS
Participants in the rTMS group showed significantly greater weight loss from baseline following the 8 session of rTMS (-2.75+/-2.37kg vs. 0.38+/-1.0kg, p<0.01). Consistent with weight loss, there was a significant reduction in fat mass and visceral adipose tissue at week 4 in the rTMS group compared with the control group (p<0.01). After the 8 sessions of rTMS, the TMS group consumed fewer total kilocalories and carbohydrates per day than the control group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
8 sessions of HF rTMS delivered to the left DLPFC were effective in inducing weight loss and decreasing food intake in obese patients.