Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Inducing Weight Loss among Obese Filipino Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Margaret Encarnacion; Oliver Allan Dampil; Ludwig Damian; Maria Leila Doquenia; Divina Cristy Redondo-Samin; Mary Karen Woolbright

doi:10.15605/jafes.035.02.06

Authors

Margaret Encarnacion St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4029-7032
Oliver Allan Dampil St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City
Ludwig Damian St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1122-2675
Maria Leila Doquenia St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3708-6680
Divina Cristy Redondo-Samin St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2650-5878
Mary Karen Woolbright St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8356-8790

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.035.02.06

Keywords:

obese, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, weight loss

Abstract

*Visual Abstracts prepared by Dr. Francis Xavier Mislang

Objective. To determine the efficacy of rTMS in decreasing body mass index (BMI) versus sham stimulation among obese Filipino patients.

Methodology. This was a single-center, randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind, parallel group trial. Participants were 15-65 years old with BMI ≥30 kg/m² and weight stable for 6 weeks. Participants were randomized to receive real rTMS or sham stimulation. Each underwent 4 sessions of stimulation over 2 weeks. Anthropometrics, total caloric intake (TCI), and VAS score for appetite were taken at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks.

Results. A total of 31 patients were randomized with 15 to the treatment and 14 to sham stimulation completing treatment, with 2 lost to follow-up. A significant decrease in BMI was noted after 4 weeks from the start of rTMS in the treatment group, (0.6±0.6, p-value=0.001), with weight change of -1.3±1.3 kg (p-value=0.009), but was no longer observed at 6 weeks onwards. No severe adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion. rTMS to the DLPFC effectively decreased BMI (0.6±0.6) and weight (-1.3±1.3 kg) from baseline to 4 weeks. At 6-12 weeks after rTMS however, there was no longer a significant difference, indicating that 4 sessions of rTMS may not be enough to produce a prolonged effect on weight loss.

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Author Biographies

Margaret Encarnacion, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine

Oliver Allan Dampil, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine

Ludwig Damian, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Department of Neurology

Maria Leila Doquenia, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Department of Neurology

Divina Cristy Redondo-Samin, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Department of Neurology

Mary Karen Woolbright, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City

Department of Clinical Nutrition

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