American engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have proposed a new way to treat obesity. They developed a vibrating capsule that stretches the stomach and creates an illusionary feeling of fullness. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
When the stomach is full, special cells called mechanoreceptors are activated. They send a signal to the brain via the vagus nerve, which then stimulates the body’s production of insulin and the hormones C-peptide, YY-peptide and GLP-1. These substances work together to help digest food and promote feelings of fullness. At the same time, the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, also decreases.
The pill artificially stimulates the mechanoreceptors, causing the cells to “think” they are already tense enough.
The device itself is powered by a small silver oxide battery. When it reaches the stomach, the acid inside dissolves the gelatin membrane covering the capsule, closes the electronic circuit and activates the vibration motor.
Animal studies have shown that the e-pill not only stimulates the release of satiety hormones but also reduces food intake by approximately 40%. The capsule left the body naturally within 4-5 days. According to scientists, they did not find any signs that the device had a negative effect on the internal organs of the test subjects.
Engineers believe pulsating pills could be a more cost-effective way to fight obesity than existing drugs.
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