Modulating eating behavior with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): A systematic literature review on the impact of eating behavior traits

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is becoming an increasingly popular technique for altering eating behaviors. Recent research suggests a possible eating behavior trait-dependent effect of tDCS. However, studies recruit participant populations with heterogeneous trait characteristics, including "healthy" individuals who do not present with eating behavior traits suggesting susceptibility to overconsumption. The present review considers the effects of tDCS across eating-related measures and explores whether a trait-dependent effect is evident across the literature. A literature search identified 28 articles using sham-controlled tDCS to modify eating-related measures. Random effects meta-analyses were performed, with subgroup analyses to identify differences between "healthy" and trait groups. Trivial overall effects (g = À0.12 to 0.09) of active versus sham tDCS were found. Subgroup analyses showed a more consistent effect for trait groups, with small and moderate effect size (g = À1.03 to 0.60), suggesting tDCS is dependent on participants' eating behavior traits. Larger effect sizes were found for those displaying traits associated with study outcomes (e.g., heightened food cravings). "Healthy" individuals appear to be unresponsive to stimulation. Based on this meta data, future work should recruit those with eating behavior trait susceptibilities to overconsumption, focusing on those who present with traits associated with the outcome of interest.

Efficiency of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment- Case Report

“…The patient examined by us did not report any severe adverse effects. More studies confirm the safety and tolerability of brain stimulation [21]. Most reports of problems after stimulation were: itching, burning sensation and headache.…”

“…The systematic review indicates not enough promising evidence of brain stimulation in AN to implement them in clinical practice [13]. Some reports indicate none, while other improvements in BMI after tDCS [21].…”

“…Nevertheless, the available evidence of the effectiveness of tDCS in AN treatment is obscure [20]. Most of the studies were conducted in small groups, and assessed outcomes vary from experiment to experiment [21].…”

The effects of prefrontal vs. parietal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation on craving, inhibition, and measures of self-esteem

“…Furthermore, due to the practical inclusion criteria and challenges related to the COVID pandemic, our sample group comprised of moderate craving subjects. Studies have shown that eating behavior traits significantly predict tDCS effectiveness ( Beaumont et al, 2022 ).…”

Effective Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Parameters for the Modulation of Eating Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In comparison, an effect is more consistently shown in those with frequent food cravings or binge-type behaviors (6,7,41,42,45,46). This highlights a potential behavior trait-dependent effect of tDCS (62). Novel target locations include the right inferior frontal gyrus (43,44), medial prefrontal cortex (48), right extrastriate body area (48), and the primary motor cortex representation of the tongue muscle (57) (Figure 1).…”