At the core of the study is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that uses mild electrical impulses to stimulate the brain. Already used effectively in treating depression and stroke rehabilitation, tDCS in this study is paired with a cognitive control task designed to activate brain areas responsible for impulse control, eating behaviors, and physical activity. These functions are often altered in individuals with severe obesity. During the stimulation sessions, patients practice regulating their gaze when exposed to tempting food cues. Additionally, all participants join a psychosocial support group led by a psychologist and a nutrition therapist. By integrating cognitive, psychological, and neurobiological methods, the program aims to guide patients toward long-term lifestyle changes. Comprehensive aftercare is particularly vital during the first two years post-surgery, a critical period for preventing relapses into old, unhealthy habits. For the first time, this study offers a holistic therapeutic approach during this key phase.
Close cooperation within the framework of the DZPG with the Translational Psychotherapy Research Unit at the University Hospital Tübingen, headed by Prof. Katrin Giel, has contributed significantly to the further development of this approach. A study on tDCS treatment in combination with the cognitive control task in patients with binge eating disorder, which resembles morbid obesity at the neurobiological and behavioural level, showed promising results and therefore suggested the potential of tDCS for the treatment of patients with morbid obesity. The present study was developed on the basis of the Tübingen pilot study.
To ensure the aftercare is as effective as possible, patients who have already undergone surgery actively contributed to the study's design through surveys. "Until now, aftercare for gastric surgery was limited to surgical follow-ups and nutritional counseling. Our new concept broadens this by incorporating cognitive and psychosocial components, addressing the complex causes of obesity in a holistic way. This approach aims to support sustainable weight loss," explains Professor Dr. Florian Junne, Head of the University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy in Magdeburg and the study's lead investigator.
This study represents a significant contribution by the University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy to improving aftercare following gastric surgery, highlighting the importance of the Magdeburg Obesity Center. "We are proud to offer our patients such an innovative and comprehensive aftercare program, one that is unique in our region," adds Professor Junne.
The research project is being carried out in close cooperation between the University Clinics for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurology, and General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery at the University Medical Center Magdeburg and the Translational Psychotherapy Research Unit at the University Hospital Tübingen. Together, they are committed to significantly improving aftercare for individuals with severe obesity, fostering long-term recovery.
Source: Press release from the University Medical Center Magdeburg
