Obesity is a growing concern; today, experts class well over one-third of people in the United States as obese. Globally, an estimated 4 million people died of conditions related to a high body mass index (BMI) in 2015 alone. These worrying trends mean scientists are focused on understanding the causes, risk factors, and implications of obesity. The reason why obesity develops in certain people and not others is multifaceted, involving genetic, hormonal, and psychological factors, among others.
The direct cause of excess weight, however, is the ingestion of more calories than the body uses. Some scientists are trying to find ways to trick the brain into consuming less food. Recently, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison tested a groundbreaking, high-tech solution. The scientists designed a small, implantable device that they hope will reduce hunger pangs and help people…
