tDCS and Emotional Eating
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat emotional eating in tier 3 obese patients: randomised feasibility trial protocol.
IRAS ID
321716
Contact name
Iskandar Idris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
000, 0000
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
We are planning a research study to investigate a new approach for addressing food cravings, body weight, and emotional eating in people with severe obesity. This approach involves using a safe and non-invasive technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which uses low levels of electrical stimulation to target specific areas of the brain. The study aims to determine if tDCS can be a helpful and safe treatment option for individuals with severe obesity who struggle with these issues. By conducting this feasibility study, we aim to gather information on whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study in the future to further explore the effectiveness and safety of tDCS for these challenges.
Lay summary of study results
The initial results show that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is safe and well tolerated for people with obesity who experience binge or emotional eating. We were able to recruit participants, keep them engaged, and complete data collection. Most participants described the experience positively, and only mild side effects were reported, which were easy to manage. Both the active and sham groups showed improvements in eating behaviours, likely because everyone received structured weight management support. These early findings suggest the study approach is practical and highlight the need for a larger, well-powered trial to test whether tDCS is truly effective for this population.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0208
Date of REC Opinion
11 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion