title: Obesity treated with phototherapy: four case studies.
abstract: We studied the effect of phototherapy on body weight in 4 overweight women. Melatonin was measured in the serum and urine before and after 1 hr of bright light (350 cd/m2). Psychiatric self-ratings with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were performed. Phototherapy (1,500 lux) was given daily at 7-9 a.m. for 10 days and thereafter twice weekly for another 4 1/2 weeks. Three of the 4 women reduced their net weight (1.5-2.4 kg) and improved in mood. All were sensitive to light. The findings indicate that phototherapy affects the melatonin-serotonin system and carbohydrate regulation and may reduce body weight.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: E I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Bylesjö
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boman
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wetterberg
mesh_terms: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D008550:Melatonin