Oxytocin: A Potential Therapeutic for Obesity

Abstract

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in the homeostasis of food consumption and energy; it affects hedonic eating. Studies in obese or binge-eating patients reported the hypophagic effect of oxytocin, which reduced caloric intake after administration. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of oxytocin's increasing energy intake, decreasing food consumption, and contributing to weight loss. Oxytocin's effects on food intake and metabolism suggest its therapeutic potential for treating obesity and binge eating.

Keywords

• oxytocin
• therapeutics
• obesity