Carbohydrate craving in obese people: Suppression by treatments affecting serotoninergic transmission

• Published in: The International journal of eating disorders Vol. 1; no. 1
• Main Authors: Wurtman, Judith J, Wurtman, Richard J, Growdon, John H, Henry, Peter, Lipscomb, Anne, Zeisel, Steven H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1981
• ISSN: 0276-3478; 1098-108X
• DOI: 10.1002/1098-108X(198123)1:1<2::AID-EAT2260010102>3.0.CO;2-Q

Controlled 4-week experimental diets were administered to 24 obese subjects to investigate alleged carbohydrate cravings and their reactions to treatments that stimulate serotonin release. Subjects were given 3 fixed meals a day and were allowed to choose at will among protein- or carbohydrate-rich snacks from a vending machine. Subjects received either a placebo, d-1 fenfluramine, or 1-tryptophan. Marked carbohydrate preferences were noted in 23 of the subjects. Carbohydrate snacking was significantly reduced in 6 of the 9 subjects given fenfluramine, and in 3 of the 8 subjects given tryptophan; carbohydrate intake was not affected by the placebo. (cj)