All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A chip implanted under a person's skin will fight obesity
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
In the near future, nutritionists may have a much smaller workload as scientists develop a device that can be implanted under the skin of the arm to help people who are overweight and curb the habit of overeating that leads to obesity.
A special device will constantly monitor the fat level in the blood and in the event that a person begins to eat more than the norm, a hormone that reduces appetite begins to be released into the blood. Studies conducted on laboratory mice were more than successful. Obese mice, under whose skin the device was implanted, as a result ate much less fatty food. It is worth noting that as soon as the rodent's weight reached a normal level, the computer chip stopped injecting the drug into the blood.
The Swiss specialists who are the authors of the research are planning to conduct a series of experiments on people in the near future and, if successful, to create a special chip in 7-10 years, the size of which will be no larger than a coin. Scientists propose implanting such a device under people's skin, with the purpose of normalizing and controlling weight.
A scientific journal reports that the computer chip contains two genes that work in tandem to reduce excessive appetite. The first gene monitors the amount of fat in the blood, and when it detects too much, the second gene kicks in and starts secreting a hormone that eliminates hunger.
The inventor of such a device was Martin Fussenegger, who stated that it is possible to create a computer device with a different set of genes, which will effectively combat a number of diseases. If such a device is effective, it will become an excellent replacement for currently existing weight loss pills or special operations (liposuction, narrowing of the lumen of the stomach, etc.). In addition, the developer of the device hopes that implanting a chip under the skin will not cause serious severe reactions in humans.
Extra pounds can reduce a person's life by about 9 years, and obesity also increases the risk of developing a number of serious diseases, such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, infertility, and even some forms of cancer.
The press secretary of the research group stated that all of humanity is currently experiencing quite serious problems with excess weight and they require effective solutions. The World Health Organization has established that more than half of the population in most developed countries suffers from excess kilograms, it turns out that every third person is prone to obesity.
If this research is sufficiently funded, it will be possible to conduct human trials in a couple of years. If the safety of the computer device for human health and life is proven, it will be possible to introduce mass implantation of the chip in a few years, after all the tests. Despite such bright prospects, British scientists doubt that it will be possible to create such a device that will not only effectively combat obesity, but also help maintain the result.
[