L'applicazione di un dispositivo di neurostimolazione nel cervello è in grado di ridurre gli attacchi di fame e far perdere peso alle persone affette da disturbo da alimentazione incontrollata. È questo il risultato di uno studio della Stanford University e dell'University of Pennsylvania pubblicato su Nature Medicine.
I ricercatori hanno verificato in due pazienti affetti dal disturbo da alimentazione incontrollata e da obesità se l'utilizzo di un sistema di neurostimolazione già impiegato per l'epilessia potesse contribuire a controllare gli attacchi di fame.
Il sistema è attivato dall'attività elettrica del cervello nei momenti in cui scatta il desiderio impulsivo di cibo. In queste circostanze, stimola una regione cerebrale denominata nucleus accumbens interrompendo questo segnale.
I primi risultati sono stati positivi: dopo sei mesi dall'applicazione del dispositivo, i due volontari hanno riferito ridotto di circa l'80% gli episodi di abbuffate incontrollate e perso peso (rispettivamente 5 e 8 kg).
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