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Related Experiment Videos

Carbohydrate craving, mood changes, and obesity.

J J Wurtman1

  • 1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|August 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Carbohydrate craving, linked to weight gain, may be influenced by serotonin levels. Studies suggest that targeting serotonin pathways could reduce cravings, offering potential dietary and pharmacological insights.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Carbohydrate craving is associated with weight gain.
  • It is prevalent in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  • Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, regulates carbohydrate intake, with tryptophan as its precursor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of serotonin in regulating carbohydrate craving.
  • To investigate the potential of serotonergic interventions for managing carbohydrate cravings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of animal studies on serotonergic drugs and carbohydrate consumption.
  • Analysis of eating patterns in over 150 obese subjects across three studies.
  • Examination of a specific serotonergic drug's effect on carbohydrate intake.

Main Results:

  • Animal studies indicate serotonergic drugs reduce carbohydrate consumption.
  • Carbohydrate cravings in obese subjects were observed at specific times (4 p.m. and 9 p.m.).
  • D-fenfluramine, a serotonergic drug, decreased carbohydrate consumption by 40%.

Conclusions:

  • Serotonin plays a significant role in regulating carbohydrate intake.
  • Pharmacological interventions targeting serotonin show promise in reducing carbohydrate cravings.
  • Further research is needed on serotonin's involvement in PMS and SAD symptoms, including mood and fatigue.

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