Oxytocin reduces caloric intake in men

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Preclinical studies suggest oxytocin has anorexigenic and metabolic benefits.
• Human studies on oxytocin's effects on nutrition and metabolism are limited.
• Oxytocin's role in appetite regulation and metabolic processes requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of intranasal oxytocin on caloric intake, appetite, and appetite-regulating hormones in humans.
• To explore the metabolic effects of oxytocin, including energy expenditure and substrate utilization.
• To test the hypothesis that oxytocin reduces caloric intake and alters appetite hormone levels.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 25 healthy men receiving a single intranasal dose of oxytocin (24 IU).
• Assessment of caloric intake, appetite using visual analog scales, and blood levels of appetite-regulating hormones, insulin, and glucose.
• Indirect calorimetry was used to measure resting energy expenditure and substrate utilization.

Main Results:

• Oxytocin significantly reduced overall caloric intake, with a notable preference for reducing fat consumption.
• Increased levels of the anorexigenic hormone cholecystokinin were observed, while other appetite hormones remained unaffected.
• Oxytocin administration led to a metabolic shift from carbohydrate to fat utilization and improved insulin sensitivity, with no impact on resting energy expenditure.

Conclusions:

• Single-dose intranasal oxytocin effectively reduces caloric intake and demonstrates beneficial metabolic effects in men.
• Oxytocin appears safe for short-term use, with no significant side effects reported.
• Further research into the efficacy and safety of sustained oxytocin administration for obesity treatment is recommended.