In this study the potential of network-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (net-tDCS) to modulate brain regions involved in appetite control was explored. The aim was to investigate whether stimulating the hypothalamus and its connected networks could enhance inhibitory control, with a focus on reducing overeating in individuals with obesity.
Methods: This pilot study involved ten participants with overweight or obesity. A double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover design was used to assess the effects of anodal and cathodal network-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (net-tDCS) on inhibitory control.
Stimulation targeted the hypothalamus and related appetite-control networks, based on fMRI data. Participants completed a Stop-Signal Task (SST) during stimulation to evaluate response inhibition. The study compared the effects of anodal, cathodal, and sham net-tDCS, with a washout period between sessions.
Findings: Anodal net-tDCS resulted in significantly improved inhibitory control, as shown by shorter stop signal reaction times (SSRT) compared to sham and cathodal stimulation. Participants with higher hypothalamus resting-state functional connectivity (FC) prior to stimulation exhibited better cognitive performance during anodal stimulation. All stimulation protocols were well tolerated, with minimal side effects reported.
These findings suggest that net-tDCS targeting the hypothalamus network may enhance inhibitory control, with potential implications for regulating appetite and eating behaviors in people with obesity.
Publication:
Ester-Nacke, T., Berti, K., Veit, R., Dannecker, C., Salvador, R., Ruffini, G., Heni, M., Birkenfeld, A. L., Plewnia, C., Preissl, H., & Kullmann, S. (2024). Network-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation of the hypothalamus appetite-control network: A feasibility study. Scientific Reports, 14, 11341. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61852-3