The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on body weight and food consumption in obese adults: A randomized controlled study

• Published in: Brain stimulation Vol. 12; no. 6; pp. 1556 - 1564
• Main Authors: Kim, Se-Hong, Chung, Ju-hye, Kim, Tae-Hong, Lim, Seong Hoon, Kim, Youngkook, Eun, Young-Mi, Lee, Yun-Ah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2019
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Body weight; Body Weight - physiology; Craving - physiology; Eating - physiology; Eating - psychology; Female; Food intake; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Obesity - physiopathology; Obesity - psychology; Obesity - therapy; Prefrontal Cortex - physiology; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS); Single-Blind Method; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - methods; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - trends; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss - physiology; Young Adult; Obesity; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS); Food intake; Body weight
• ISSN: 1935-861X; 1876-4754; 1876-4754
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.07.020

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. We conducted 4-week randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial to examine the effect of rTMS on body weight in obese adults. Forty-three obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/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. Participants in the rTMS group showed significantly greater weight loss from baseline following the 8 session of rTMS (−2.75 ± 2.37 kg vs. 0.38 ± 1.0 kg, 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). 8 sessions of HF rTMS delivered to the left DLPFC were effective in inducing weight loss and decreasing food intake in obese patients. Clinical trial registered with the Clinical Trials Registry at http://cris.cdc.go.kr (KCT0002548). •8 sessions of HF-rTMS over the left DLPFC was effective in weight loss and decreasing food intake in obese patients.•The observed weight loss in the present study was greater than our previously published findings with 4 sessions of rTMS.•rTMS treatment had beneficial effects on improving insulin resistance.•rTMS reduced cardiometabolic risks associated with obesity.