Effect of vagus nerve stimulation on metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
VNS has demonstrated notable impacts on reducing weight, suppressing appetite, and enhancing energy expenditure in rat and minipig models, indicating a promising therapeutic application in addressing metabolic disorders. Human trials also showed the effectiveness and safety of VNS on metabolism.
Study context
- Population
- Rat model studies, minipig model studies and human trials, 1966 to March 202415 studies
- Comparison
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) vs control
- Outcome
- Changes in weight, appetite and energy expenditure
Methodological detailsanimal studies (rats, minipigs) and human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 529 papers identified; 12 animal trials and 4 human RCTs included
- Animal studies (rats, minipigs) and human RCTs
- 529 papers identified; 12 animal trials and 4 human RCTs included
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Weight gain
- VNS significantly reduced weight gain in animal models and human trials
- VNS: 95% CI −0.91 to −0.27; P = 0.0003
- VNS: 95% CI −209.17 to −36.61; P = 0.005
- VNS: 95% CI 1.06–2.07; P < 0.00001
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Estimate | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite (rat model)I2 = 95%, Z = 36.91; reduced appetite | (95% CI −6.47 to −5.82) | P < 0.00001 |
| Energy expenditure (rat model)I2 = 80%, Z = 3.53; changed energy expenditure | (95% CI −2.83 to −0.81) | P = 0.0004 |
Human energy expenditure
- Effect on human energy expenditure could not be estimated
Original publication
Effect of vagus nerve stimulation on metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 29 August 2025. doi:10.
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