Potential role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obesity

Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique with mild side effects. Some forms of obesity may arise from eating disorders and recent data suggest that rTMS treatment could have beneficial effects in eating disorders. Purpose The purpose of this comprehensive review is to hypothesize that rTMS may play a role in obesity. Materials and methods Articles were selected based on a search on medline using the terms “rTMS”, “food craving”, “eating disorders”, “addiction”, and “obesity”. They were published between 1995 and 2013. Results Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has been evaluated in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. It appears that it exerts its effect via the reduction of the level of craving for food. Obesity is being recognized as one of the endpoints of food addiction and craving. Besides, rTMS and transcranial direct current stimulation are brain stimulation techniques being used in the treatment of psychoactive substance addiction. Conclusions Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, through the reduction of food craving may be a potential treatment for a subset of individuals suffering from obesity. Further studies with a higher number of subjects are still needed to confirm the effects of rTMS on obesity.