Abstract: Methods of maintaining or improving the metabolic state of a subject, e.g., a human, are disclosed. The methods can include providing to the subject a low magnitude, high frequency mechanical signal on a periodic basis and for a time sufficient to maintain or improve the subject's metabolic state. The subject can be diagnosed as having or can be at risk of developing, an obesity-related medical condition, e.g., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and breast cancer. The methods can include a step of identifying a suitable subject by evaluating a physiological parameter that reflects the metabolic state of the subject, e.g., visceral fat content, subcutaneous fat content, body mass index, and blood pressure.