WEIGHT LOSS? It’s all on the head!
Revolutionary device claims to burn fat using brain power
Afew years ago, I embarked on a serious shed-thepounds journey. Having realised it was time to get myself in shape, I used a combination of diet, exercise and a basic fitness tracker to help lose the excess weight. Over a year, I lost about forty kilos, but it was a long hard slog.
Modius Health, a Belfast based tech company have created a wearable device that they reckon can make the weight loss journey a less stressful one. The makers, who raised €2million on Indiego, say that the device will stimulate the part of the brain responsible for managing fat storage in the body.
There’s plenty written about the research and explanation of the science on the Modius website that explains how the makers believe this can help in weight loss.
The Modius headset arrives in a neat hard-shell travel case. Along with it are little pads that attach to the device and also some wipes to clean the pads. The device is battery powered and there is a USB cable included for charging from a USB power source.
To use the device, you need to download the free app. Once downloaded, I created an account and paired the device via Bluetooth with my phone. The process seemed secure and requires an extra step to ensure the correct phone is being connected.
When you first run the app you answer some basic questions about your gender, weight and height and once that’s done the Modius is ready to go.
After charging the headset, I applied the small pads to each sensor and they snapped in neatly and attached firmly.
The included alcohol wipes are provided to clean the skin just behind each ear where you apply the pads.
Istarted the device and, initially, the effect was almost unnoticeable. There are a number of levels that you can set it to. I moved it to level four and initially found it a little disconcerting. I felt a sort of motion in my head, but it’s not uncomfortable and after a couple of sessions I was more at ease using it.
The device is set up to be used for just an hour a day, ensuring that you don’t overdo it. It does look a little like something out of Star Wars, but it’s lightweight, made of plastic and isn’t a burden to wear.
I did find the pads came away occasionally, particularly when I tried higher levels. However, the app alerts you about this and I fixed the issue by toning down the power setting.
The makers’ research is based on 16-week trials with claims that users report body fat reductions of up to 16%.
As the device is designed by a pair of entrepreneurial doctors, I felt better about the integrity of the science, but long-term clinical trials will no doubt be tried.
It feels to me a little like a Slendertone for the brain. As a piece of technology it is really well made and wonderfully easy to set-up.
There’s a large community of online users who share their stories and results. While I haven’t used it for long enough yet to see significant results, I’ll keep using it. I’m happy to add willpower and if the Modius works, or even helps, this could be a big deal.
Pros: l Easy to set-up l Comfortable to wear Cons: l Needs careful attachment l Not yet proven by clinical trials MODIUS DEVICE FEELS A LITTLE BIT LIKE SLENDERTONE FOR THE BRAIN