Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMU) is one of the treatments applied in our hospital in the treatment of obesity. In this treatment, the insula area, which is the region of the brain that suppresses food cravings, is stimulated to eliminate food cravings and to get rid of the eating attacks of the obese individual.
dTMU/dTMS treatment consists of a total of 15 sessions spread over 3 to 5 weeks. The sessions last approximately half an hour with preparation. Before the sessions, patients are shown food pictures to trigger food cravings and then brain stimulation is given. The purpose of showing a picture of food before the brain stimulation is to stimulate the brain cells responsible for food and make the treatment more effective. The brain stimulation given during the sessions does not cause any dangerous side effects in people without a known brain disease and the stimulation is not painful.
During dTMU/dTMS treatment, dietitian consultations and a diet program are also required. In a previous study on dTMU/dTMS, it was found that patients who underwent this treatment lost more weight than those who did not, and their desire to eat was significantly reduced (see Reference).
Reference:
LIVIO L, FERRULLI A, ADAMO M, PAINI S. (2016). Efficacy of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) on Satiety and Body Weight. 76th Conference of American Diabetes Association. Abstract 266-OR.(http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4008/presentation/43719).