The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and oxytocin on food craving and weight control in obese individuals with food addiction: a double-blind clinical trial.

Abstract

Background and aims: Obesity has become a major public health burden worldwide due to the significant social and economic impacts of its associated comorbidities. Despite substantial advancements in obesity research, its prevalence continues to rise, and weight loss remains a persistent challenge despite numerous weight management programs. Food addiction has emerged as a novel factor contributing to obesity, garnering considerable attention. Some individuals consume specific foods in quantities exceeding their physiological needs, indicating a lack of control over their eating behavior. This study aimed to examine the possible synergistic effects of novel interventions (tDCS and oxytocin) on weight loss and food craving symptoms in obese individuals with food addiction.

Design: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on obese individuals with food addiction.

Participants: Sixty individuals of both genders with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).

Setting: Participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to four groups (19 participants each).

Intervention(s): Oxytocin nasal spray, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), combined oxytocin & tDCS, and sham groups treated for 15 days.

Measurements: Body weight and food craving symptoms before and after treatment.

Comments: All three experimental interventions significantly improved weight control and food craving symptoms. No significant difference was observed between the mean scores of the tDCS and oxytocin groups. However, the combined tDCS and oxytocin group demonstrated significant differences compared to the other three groups. It can be concluded that the simultaneous application of two therapeutic approaches has a synergistic effect and can be effectively utilized in treating individuals with food addiction.