Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.

Abstract

Previous observations have shown that oral administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) without dietary prescriptions causes anorexia, decreased food intake, and weight loss in obese subjects. To confirm these data over a longer period of observation and to verify whether adherence to dietary restriction could be improved by 5-HTP, 20 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5-HTP (900 mg/d) or a placebo. The study was double-blinded and was for two consecutive 6-wk periods. No diet was prescribed during the first period, a 5040-kJ/d diet was recommended for the second. Significant weight loss was observed in 5-HTP-treated patients during both periods. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and a consistent presence of early satiety were also found. These findings together with the good tolerance observed suggest that 5-HTP may be safely used to treat obesity.

• Authors: C Cangiano, F Ceci, A Cascino, M Del Ben, A Laviano, M Muscaritoli, F Antonucci, F Rossi-Fanelli
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 56 Issue 5 Pg. 863-7 (Nov 1992) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1384305 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dietary Carbohydrates
• Dietary Proteins
• Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan

Topics

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Dietary Carbohydrates (administration & dosage)
• Dietary Proteins (administration & dosage)
• Energy Intake
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (urine)
• Hyperphagia (drug therapy)
• Obesity (diet therapy, drug therapy)
• Weight Loss