Estrogen-induced effects on food intake and body weight in ovariectomized, partially lipectomized rats

Following ovariectomy, rats were either partially lipectomized (10-15% of total body lipid was removed) or left intact, and were treated with either sesame oil vehicle or estradiol benzoate (EB; 4 micrograms/day) for 2 weeks. Although lipectomy resulted in a change in carcass adiposity, robust behavioral and metabolic effects of EB were observed in all animals. EB treatment induced changes in all carcass components examined, including lipid, protein and water. Lipid:protein ratios were not altered by EB treatment.