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Does yohimbine act as a slimming drug?
C Kucio1, K Jonderko, D Piskorska
1Department of Gastroenterology, Silesian School of Medicine, Katowice, Poland.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Yohimbine, an alpha 2-receptor antagonist, significantly boosted weight loss in obese patients on a low-energy diet. This study suggests yohimbine may aid obesity treatment by maintaining energy expenditure and sympathetic activity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder requiring effective management strategies.
- Alpha 2-receptor antagonists, like yohimbine, have been explored for their potential in weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of yohimbine as an adjunct therapy for obesity.
- To assess yohimbine's impact on weight loss, thermogenesis, sympathetic activity, and lipolysis in obese individuals.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving obese outpatients on a low-energy diet.
- Yohimbine (5 mg, 4x/day) or placebo administered for 3 weeks.
- Assessment of thermogenesis, serum noradrenaline, and serum glycerol levels.
- Gastric emptying also studied in a separate inpatient group.
Main Results:
- Yohimbine significantly increased mean weight loss (3.55 kg vs. 2.21 kg for placebo, P < 0.005).
- Yohimbine maintained effort-induced energy expenditure and sympathetic activity.
- No significant effect on lipolysis or gastric emptying was observed.
Conclusions:
- Yohimbine shows promise as a supplementary treatment for obesity, enhancing weight loss on a calorie-restricted diet.
- Further research is warranted on alpha 2-receptor antagonists for obesity management.