Deep Brain Stimulation-Possible Treatment Strategy for Pathologically Altered Body Weight?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Metabolic Disorders
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Obesity and eating disorders (binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa) present significant treatment challenges.
• While bariatric surgery is established for obesity, psychotherapy is primary for eating disorders.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective for Parkinson's disease and emerging for other conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical and clinical evidence of DBS for modulating food intake and body weight.
• To highlight targeted brain areas, stimulation protocols, and signaling pathways.
• To critically discuss safety and knowledge gaps for future research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of preclinical studies (animal models).
• Analysis of early clinical evidence and case reports.
• Examination of neurobiological mechanisms underlying DBS effects on appetite and weight.

Main Results:

• DBS can inhibit or stimulate food intake and body weight depending on the targeted brain region.
• Evidence suggests DBS can influence appetite regulation and metabolic processes.
• Specific neural circuits involved in reward and appetite control are implicated.

Conclusions:

• DBS is a potential therapeutic avenue for obesity and eating disorders.
• Further research is needed to optimize DBS protocols and assess long-term safety.
• Understanding downstream signaling is crucial for refining DBS applications.