Weight
Loss Induced by Stimulation of Duodenum
April 20, 2005
Scientists have found an interesting way to induce
weight loss. It involves running weak electric pulses
through the duodenum, the section of intestine adjoining
the stomach and this painlessly slows the passage of
food through the digestive tract. This nonsurgical treatment
might induce weight loss over time by reducing a person's
appetite.
Similar studies have been conducted in the past on animals
and the results showed that electrical stimulation of
the small intestine decreased food intake and reduced
fat absorption. Inspired by the results , a similar
technique was tried on 12 healthy volunteers by researchers
of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston,
and the report was published in the American Journal
of Gastroenterology.
In the study the subjects given a meal of eggs and toast
laced with a harmless radioactive tracer. A special
camera that picks up radioactivity was used to measure
the speed at which the food passed out of the stomach
and into the bowels. Stimulating the electrodes caused
the food to take 50 percent longer to exit the stomach.
When the volunteers were instructed to drink water over
a 5-minute period until they were completely full, they
took in a significantly smaller amount when the electrodes
were being stimulated. The subjects reported no symptoms
of pain or indigestion associated with their treatment.
The study revealed that the decreased water intake suggested
that duodenal stimulation can "reduce appetite
or reduce capacity in accommodating food," This
made the researchers hope that similar treatment in
obese individuals "would prolong the meal intervals
and prevent frequent meals/snacking."
Source: http://www.reuters.com
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