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Seen At 11: Device Could Reprogram Your Brain To Eliminate Cravings

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine how easy it would be to lose weight if you never had a food craving again.

That could soon be a reality, as researchers are working on a way to reprogram the brain and stop the craving.

As CBS 2's Maurice Dubois explained, a device that looks like something out of a science fiction movie could be the key to ending food cravings forever.

And indeed, nagging cravings always seem to be for some of the most fattening foods and can be impossible to ignore.

"You just have to turn it off, but most people tend not to and just keep feeding the craving," Dr. Lisa Ganjhu said.

Experts say it is a vicious cycle that is not unlike other addictions, the more that you give in to your cravings the more you crave them.

"Somewhat similar to alcohol, marijuana -- people really do get hooked," Dr. Eric Braverman explained.

Doctors know all about cravings, but now, scientists may have a way to stop them by using a device that was originally designed to help stroke victims.

"If we can change brain activity can we change the craving behavior?" Dr. Felipe Fregni said.

The device uses a low intensity electrical current that passes through electrodes that placed on both sides of the scalp. The current targets the specific parts of the brain associated with cravings.

As CBS 2's Dubois reported, the brain literally learns to stop craving. After just one single stimulation session, researchers found the desire to eat was diminished when study participants looked at pictures of food.

"They said after stimulation, it was less than before stimulation," Dr. Fregni said.

Right now, the effect is only temporary, but scientists are studying how to make it permanent.

They are also researching the use of electrical stimulation with other addictive substances including cigarettes, alcohol, and even drugs.

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