Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
Previous observations have shown that oral administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) without dietary prescriptions causes anorexia, decreased food intake, and weight loss in obese subjects. To confirm these data over a longer period of observation and to verify whether adherence to dietary restriction could be improved by 5-HTP, 20 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5-HTP (900 mg/d) or a placebo. The study was double-blinded and was for two consecutive 6-wk periods. No diet was prescribed during the first period, a 5040-kJ/d diet was recommended for the second. Significant weight loss was observed in 5-HTP-treated patients during both periods. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and a consistent presence of early satiety were also found. These findings together with the good tolerance observed suggest that 5-HTP may be safely used to treat obesity.
Cangiano
C
C
3rd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy.
Ceci
F
F
Cascino
A
A
Del Ben
M
M
Laviano
A
A
Muscaritoli
M
M
Antonucci
F
F
Rossi-Fanelli
F
F
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000652:urine; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan