Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Poor Weight-Loss Response to Incretin Receptor Agonists
Eligible age
18–50 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
0 states
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
This is a single-center, randomized, participant-blinded, sham-controlled trial designed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in overweight or obese patients who show a suboptimal weight-loss response to incretin receptor agonist therapy. A total of 24 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either taVNS plus tirzepatide 5 mg or sham stimulation plus tirzepatide 5 mg for 12 weeks. The primary objective is to compare the percent change in body weight from baseline to week 12 between the two groups.
Sponsor: The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 1. Individuals with obesity, or overweight accompanied by at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension or fatty liver disease), who have been receiving tirzepatide therapy for at least 12 weeks and have achieved ≤10% weight loss during treatment;
- ✓ 2. Willingness to provide written informed consent.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 1. Presence of diseases that may substantially affect body weight homeostasis, including Cushing's syndrome, uncontrolled thyroid disease (thyroid-stimulating hormone \>6.0 mIU/L or \<0.4 mIU/L), malignancy, or similar conditions;
- ✕ 2. Use within the past 3 months of medications, other than incretin receptor agonists, that may significantly affect body weight, including glucocorticoids and antipsychotic agents;
- ✕ 3. Skin infection or damage involving the auricular area;
- ✕ 4. Women planning pregnancy in the near future;
- ✕ 5. Contraindications to MRI, such as metallic prostheses or claustrophobia;
- ✕ 6. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus; Inability to complete the 12-week intervention period for practical reasons, such as frequent business travel or planned travel.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07619989 · last updated 2026-07-31