What is obesity:  Obesity is defined as body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above and current statics show that nearly 40% or over 93 million Americans meet this criteria.  Obesity rates around the world continue to rise leading to higher rates of diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and multiple other conditions.

What causes obesity:

Causes of obesity involve various factors including hereditary predispositions, endocrine (that is, hormonal) abnormalities (for example, thyroid, cortisol, and pituitary abnormalities), poor dietary choices, levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle choices. In addition, psychological stress, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can also lead to irregular and excessive food consumption and habits. The central nervous system has a central role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Central nervous system mechanisms for hunger, satiety, and food craving are now far better understood than even a decade ago. Using neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies, neuroscientists have identified several brain networks that are heavily involved in the control of cravings included that for food.  In addition, a clear correlation exists between stress, anxiety, and many mood disorders and excessive food intake and obesity. Specifically, parts of the brain that control behavior and decision-making, often called ‘executive function’ have been mapped to the prefrontal cortex including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This opens new possibilities in TMS therapy for weight loss.

What is the treatment for obesity: 

Weight loss strategies have varying success rates and often involve significant lifestyle and dietary changes, intense exercise programs, and surgical procedures. In addition, the current weight-loss environment is fraught with numerous unproven uses of dietary supplements and dangerous/toxic substances. Most who undergo conventional weight-loss strategies are often disappointed in the lack of persistent and long-term maintenance of the lost weight. Moreover, dietary and exercise programs are difficult to maintain when the central brain networks involved in executive function, motivation, emotional regulation are not operating properly. Cases like this leave open the possibility of TMS therapy for weight loss.

By correcting the central (i.e. brain) networks that are involved in regulating behavior, emotions, and ‘executive function’, abnormal food craving is properly mitigated leading to correction of weight and reversal of obesity.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or TMS therapy for weight loss has now been FDA-approved for treatment of treatment-resistant major depression by safely simulating areas of brain involved in ‘executive function’, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).  Now, groundbreaking randomized sham-controlled clinical study has shown the use of TMS in lowering food craving and healthy weight loss at approximately 2-3 lbs. per week with only four sessions of TMS.  Study showed reduction in hunger, desire to eat, and overall consumption of calories.  Moreover, study showed lowering of total cholesterol and liver enzymes.  Study participants reported no significant adverse effects or discomfort.  Additional studies have also show similar effects of TMS on lowering food craving and weight.

TMS therapy for weight loss is now posed to to help those battling obesity and the large health risks excessive weight carries.  For additional information regarding TMS, please click on the TMS tab on this website.

What is the process of TMS therapy for weight loss:   Process begins with evaluation with the neurologist to assess risks and benefits and discuss the program.   Additional testing with QEEG (brain mapping) or fMRI may or may not be necessary.  An individualized program is then recommended for each individual brain and body.  Each session of TMS lasts between 20-30 minutes done at 2 sessions per week.  The duration of treatment depends on your overall goals and individual characteristics.  Studies show an average of 5 lb. weight loss after just 4 sessions in 4 weeks.  TMS is extremely safe and harmless although, as with any intervention, there are some rare risks including mild headache that we will discuss in detail with you.  Please see our TMS page for additional details of TMS treatment.

References are available upon request.