ModiusHealth

Modius Health is a company that has developed a headset called Modius aimed at aiding weight loss. The headset works by stimulating the vestibular nerve behind the ear, which is connected to the hypothalamus, a region in the brain that controls appetite, metabolism, and fat storage. The device delivers a low-level electrical pulse through electro-pads placed behind the ears, intended to influence the hypothalamus and make it easier for users to lose weight.

The company recommends using the Modius headset once a day for approximately 45 minutes. According to the company's testing involving 650 users, 80% reported an average weight loss of 2.7 kg (6 lbs) over six weeks when using the device. However, the effectiveness varied among individuals, with some actively trying to lose weight through diet and exercise, while others made no lifestyle changes.

As of January 2022, Modius Health had sold around 4,000 headsets worldwide. The company was seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have the device classified as a medical aid, which would depend on the outcome of independent clinical trials. At the time, clinical trials were underway at the University of California, San Diego, with plans for additional trials involving adolescents and participants in Belfast.