Researchers at Texas A&M University have described a new medical device that may help fight weight loss, whilst requiring a more simple operative procedure for implantation. The device is only around 1cm in size and works by shining light on the endings of the vagus nerve to provide the feeling of fullness. Instead of requiring a power cord like some other devices, this device can be controlled with a remote radio frequency source.
It was widely accepted that the stretching of the stomach sends information to the brain to communicate that its full. The researchers at A&M’s findings suggest that by stimulating the non-stretch receptors which respond to chemicals in food, you could also give the feeling of fullness even though there is no distension of the stomach.
This device could be a new tiny beacon of light in the fight against obesity.
