Non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome

Abstract

This narrative review aims to analyze and synthesize current literature regarding the potential applications of three non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES therapy or Lebedev current)—in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The multifactorial nature and incompletely understood pathogenesis of obesity and its metabolic consequences necessitate the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.

Each of these NIBS modalities has demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies; specifically, rodent models of obesity and metabolic syndrome have shown that such interventions can modulate body weight, visceral fat content, and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of these methods may be enhanced by their pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antinociceptive actions (the primary objective for TES therapy), as well as the modulation of cortical activity (the original indications of tDCS and TMS), particularly regarding executive functions and eating behavior.

Although clinical investigation of these methods remains in its early stages, available data from controlled trials indicate a favorable impact of NIBS on body mass and dietary patterns, complementing their well-established efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

Consequently, evidence from both preclinical and clinical research suggests that these neuromodulation techniques may positively influence neuroimmunoendocrine dysregulation, supporting their integration into comprehensive treatment protocols for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and pathogenetically related conditions.