Effect of Vestibular Stimulation on Fat Consumption and Energy Expenditure as Assessed Using Indirect Calorimetry

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed informed consent
2. Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2
3. 18-65 years of age inclusive on starting the study.
4. Successfully completed the screening questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of vestibular dysfunction.
2. History of bariatric surgery, fundoplication, gastric resection or major upper-abdominal surgery (acceptable surgeries include cholecystectomy, hysterectomy).
3. History of skin breakdown, eczema or other dermatological condition (e.g. psoriasis) affecting the skin behind the ears, or of the head and neck.
4. History of weight loss device implantation (e.g. VBloc Maestro or Abiliti).
5. Positive response in Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.
6. Currently taking medication for asthma or other breathing conditions.
7. Untreated thyroid disorder (stable treatment for 3 months is acceptable).
8. Other endocrinological causes of weight gain (e.g. Cushing's disease, Cushing's syndrome or acromegaly)
9. Previous diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS (HIV is known to cause a vestibular neuropathy which would prevent VeNS from working).
10. History of cirrhosis, or liver, kidney or heart failure.
11. Chronic pancreatitis.
12. Treatment with prescription weight-loss drug therapy in the year before starting the study.
13. Tobacco or marijuana smoking in the 6 months prior to study.
14. Known genetic cause of obesity (e.g., Prader-Willi Syndrome).
15. Diabetes mellitus (Types 1 & 2).
16. Diagnosis of epilepsy or use of anti-epileptic medication within six months of starting the study (e.g. for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy)
17. Chronic (more than a month of daily use) treatment with opioid analgesic drugs within the last year.
18. Regular use (more than twice a month) of anti-histamine medication.
19. Use of oral or intravenous corticosteroid medication within two years of starting the study.
20. Use of the beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol or propranolol within 3 months of starting the study.
21. Current use of tricyclic antidepressant medication for whatever reason.
22. Current alterations in treatment regimens of anti-depressant medication for whatever reason (other than tricyclic antidepressants) (Note: stable treatment regimen for prior six months acceptable).
23. An active diagnosis of cancer.
24. A previous myocardial infarction.
25. A history of stroke or severe head injury (as defined by a head injury that required intensive care). (In case this damaged the neurological pathways involved in vestibular stimulation).
26. Presence of permanently implanted battery powered medical device or stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator etc.).
27. Psychiatric disorders (including untreated severe depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bulimia nervosa etc.)
28. Current participant in a clinical trial for weight loss.