Modification of weight gain by an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor during refeeding in rats

In rats, the period of refeeding after a fast is associated with accelerated weight gain without a concomitant increase in food intake. In this study the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose, was used to delay carbohydrate absorption in normal adult rats, and the effects on body weight, food intake, and intestinal enzyme activities were determined. Refeeding with acarbose in the food (500 mg/kg) reduced the rate of weight gain compared to refeeding without acarbose but did not change food intake. Acarbose also lowered midjejunal mass and blunted the refeeding-induced rise in certain brush border disaccharidase and intracellular glycolytic enzymes. However, acarbose refed rats still had accelerated weight gain compared to nonfasted rats, implying that the refeeding response was not totally abolished. These studies suggest that inhibition of carbohydrate absorption during refeeding might have a role in the maintenance of diet-induced weight loss.