Back to search results

tDCS with Cognitive Training for Obesity in Veterans

This study is looking at whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help veterans with obesity reduce impulsivity and lose weight. tDCS is a non-invasive treatment that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain. You would participate in cognitive training sessions while receiving either active tDCS or a sham (inactive) tDCS. To join, you need to be a veteran aged 18-80, enrolled in a MOVE! Weight Management Program at the Minneapolis VA, and have obesity. The study aims to see if this combination can improve impulse control and lead to weight loss. The current status of this study is unclear, and it plans to enroll up to 124 participants.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll up to 124 participants, comparing active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with sham tDCS during cognitive training.
What's involved
You would have 13 study visits, including four testing days, over approximately four months after starting stimulation.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your weight and impulsivity will be measured approximately 2 months and 4 months after starting stimulation.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05225233

tDCS With Cognitive Training to Reduce Impulsivity and Weight in Veterans With Obesity

Recruiting
NAAges 18–80InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~124 participants
Updated 2026-04-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Active Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in task impulsivity as measured by the NIH Flanker
Measured over Change between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Obesity

Explore related trials

Obesity

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Minnesota1

Study leadership

  • Shalamar D Sibley, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

Who to contact

Shalamar D Sibley, MD
[email protected]
(612) 725-2000 · ext. 4424
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Veteran enrolled in a MOVE! Weight Management Program (group or individual) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Obese (BMI\>30 or BMI\>27 plus at least one weight-related comorbidity)
Adults, ages 18 years or older (up to age 80)
Able to understand English, self-consent and follow study-related procedures
Willing to use a reliable form of birth control if they are of females of child-bearing potential

Exclusion

History of any of the following: seizures, severe or moderate head injury, head surgery, significant neurological disorder (significance based on Principal Investigator's judgment)
Frequent severe headaches
History of scalp conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
Metal in head (other than in mouth) including shrapnel/surgical clips/welding fragments
Implanted medical devices (including pumps and cardiac pacemakers)
Pregnancy
Acute substance dependence or withdrawal that would affect ability to complete cognitive training
Moderately severe to severe depression (as identified on PHQ-9 scale during baseline screening)
Other psychological or medical disorders requiring inpatient treatment (as identified during chart review)
Presence of a known metabolic or hormonal disorder (such as Cushing's, untreated thyroid dysfunction, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus defined as a hemoglobin A1c \> 8.0), or significant edema/volume overload - all of which would affect weight
Uncontrolled hypothyroidism that would affect weight

What this trial measures

  • Change in task impulsivity as measured by the NIH FlankerChange between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)

    Differences in the magnitude of change in NIH Flanker Reaction Time (RT) (ms) between active and sham groups from baseline to follow up sessions.

  • Change in weightChange between baseline and Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)

    Differences in the magnitude of change in weights (kg) between active and sham tDCS (active from baseline to follow up sessions.