ZAPPING the brain with “random noise” could starve cravings and stop emotional eating, scientists say.
A study found that using electrical brain stimulation for 20 minutes per day just six times reduced appetite, willingness to eat, and hunger for two weeks.
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The therapy, called transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), works through simple skull caps and has already been found to lessen depression.
Scientists from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute said the therapy could be more effective and safer than standard weight loss drugs.
Study author, Dr Ki-young Shin, said: “If this electrostimulation treatment equipment with far fewer side effects than existing obesity treatments is commercialised and can be used at home instead of in hospitals, it will provide an easy and simple method for daily appetite suppression management.
“Especially when people are under stress or difficulty, many people eat food due to emotional hunger.
“And if digital healthcare technology that combines electrostimulation treatment and exercise therapy is introduced, it will enhance weight loss effects and help individuals manage their health more effectively.”
It’s estimated 64 per cent of British adults are now overweight, having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.
This includes around 28 per cent who are obese (with a BMI of 30 or more).
Doctors are trying to do all they can to reduce these numbers, as carrying extra weight increases your chance of numerous conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers.
This study involved 60 participants, with half receiving the actual therapy while the other half were given a placebo.
They received six 20-minute sessions of electrical stimulation over two weeks, with two or three days between each.
The results showed that tRNS was effective in reducing appetite, willingness to eat, and hunger in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.
The researchers also found that tRNS can help treat emotional eating.
The tendency to eat to process or relieve emotions such as stress, depression, anxiety, and joy was significantly reduced, the authors said.
They believe they saw these results because through the scalp, the electrical device stimulates the cerebral cortex, which is partly responsible for reward and motivation when it comes to appetite and satiety.
As the trial was conducted only for two weeks, the long-term weight loss effect could not be confirmed.
But experts hope to study this soon as existing obesity treatments carry several potential side effects when taken over a long period.
How to lose weight safely
Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures.
The NHS tips – which can be adopted slowly – include:
- Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion
- Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
- Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
- Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day
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