New ‘random noise’ technique could help you lose weight by reducing cravings and emotional eating, scientists say

ZAPPING the brain with “random noise” can quell cravings and stop emotional eatingsay scientists.

One study found that using electrical brain stimulation for 20 minutes a day reduced appetite, food cravings, and hunger just sixfold over two weeks.

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The therapy, called transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), works through simple skullcaps and has been found to ease depression.

Scientists at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute said the therapy could be more effective and safer than conventional weight-loss drugs.

Study author Dr. Ki-young Shin said, “If this electrostimulation treatment equipment with far fewer side effects than existing obesity treatments is commercialized and can be used at home instead of in hospitals, it will provide an easy and simple method for daily appetite. suppression management.

“Especially when people are under stress or hardship, many people eat food out of emotional hunger.

“And if digital health technology that combines electrostimulation treatment and exercise therapy is introduced, it will enhance the effects of weight loss and help individuals manage their health more effectively.”

An estimated 64% of British adults are currently overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.

This includes about 28 percent of those who are obese (with a BMI of 30 or more).

Doctors are trying to do everything they can to reduce these numbers, as carrying extra weight increases the chance of numerous diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some types of cancer.

This study involved 60 participants, with half receiving the real therapy while the other half received a placebo.

They received six 20-minute electrical stimulation sessions over two weeks, with a two or three day break between each session.

The results showed that tRNS was effective in reducing appetite, food cravings, and hunger in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.

Researchers have also found that tRNS can help treat emotional eating.

The tendency to eat to process or alleviate emotions such as stress, depression, anxiety and joy was significantly reduced, the authors said.

They believe they saw these results because, through the scalp, the electrical device stimulates the cerebral cortex, which is partially responsible for reward and motivation when it comes to appetite and satiety.

As the trial was only carried out over two weeks, the long-term weight loss effect could not be confirmed.

But experts hope to study this soon, as existing treatments for obesity have several potential side effects when taken over a long period.