Intra-Abdominal Vagal Nerve Blockade Doesn't Result in Substantial Weight Loss

In the continuing search for effective approaches to weight loss, vagal nerve blockade has been explored because of this nerve's influence on satiety. A subgroup analysis in a recent study suggested that blockade ≥12 hours daily was effective (Obes Surg 2012; 22:1771). In a new U.S. and Australian study, researchers randomized 239 obese participants to vagal nerve blockade or sham surgery. The intervention was laparoscopic placement of electrodes (connected to transcutaneous regulators) on the anterior and posterior vagus nerves at the gastroesophageal junction; the electrodes were programmed to deliver blockade for ≥12 hours daily. Sham-surgery patients had surgical incisions similar to those in the intervention group but the peritoneum wa…