Ingestive behavior and composition of weight change during cyproheptadine administration

The effect of cyproheptadine on spontaneous energy intake was studied by means of an automated (liquid diet) food-dispensing apparatus in two nonobese adults confined to a metabolic ward. The experimental design included both single and double-blind periods. Throughout, the composition of daily weight change was determined by the energy-nitrogen balance method. While on cyproheptadine, both subjects exhibited increases in energy intake with the following average composition of weight gain: protein 16%, fat 14% and water 70% (first subject), and protein 5%, fat 49% and water 46% (second subject). The cyproheptadine-induced increase in energy intake was statistically significant in one of the subjects, who was at his desirable weight level at the outset. The other subject was underweight initially and tended to gain throughout the experiment, although rate of weight gain appeared to be more rapid during the periods of cyproheptadine administration. Energy output in both subjects remained fairly constant throughout. We conclude that cyproheptadine induces weight gain of 'normal' composition by stimulating increased energy intake.