Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in combination with a low-carbohydrate diet in overweight or obese patients. A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

AimsThe present study evaluated the effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in combination with a low-carbohydrate diet on body weight, food craving, auto-perception, general health, depression and anxiety, in overweight or obese patients. MethodsThirty-seven eligible patients were randomly allocated in two groups: rTMS group (low-carbohydrate diet plus rTMS, n = 18) and sham group (low-carbohydrate diet plus sham rTMS, n = 19). A total of 17 rTMS (10 Hz, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) or sham sessions were applied (10 sessions during two weeks, then, patients received 7 sessions over the next 28 weeks). Patients were evaluated before and after treatment with the following tests: short form 36 health survey (SF-36), food craving inventory, Beck's depression inventory, Beck's anxiety inventory and, body shape questionnaire. ResultsIn the rTMS-treated group, but not in the sham group, we observed: a reduction in body weight, anxiety, and food craving (P < .001); in the general health survey were improved the aspects of physical functioning, emotional role, and vitality (P < .001), a significant improvement in the body shape questionnaire (P < .001). ConclusionWe conclude that long-term rTMS treatment in combination with a low-carbohydrate diet is a promising approach for the management of overweight and obese patients.