This 2004 case series examines the clinical experiences of eight adult patients who utilized pharmacotherapy for obesity management over a period exceeding 10 years. The medications used included agents such as phentermine and sibutramine. Patients reported sustained weight loss, perceived benefits, and an absence of significant side effects. Notably, there
This 2010 study investigated the effects of ezlopitant, a selective neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, on the consumption and motivation for sucrose and ethanol in rodent models. Ezlopitant significantly reduced operant self-administration of 5% sucrose in a dose-dependent manner, with all tested doses (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg) decreasing intake.
This 2014 review examines the multifaceted neurobiological mechanisms underlying carbohydrate cravings. It identifies five key domains: (1) the serotonergic system, where carbohydrate intake can elevate serotonin levels, influencing mood and appetite; (2) palatability and hedonic response, highlighting the rewarding properties of carbohydrates; (3) the motivational system, noting that carbohydrates can
This 2013 review by Roy A. Wise explores the dual role of dopamine in mediating both the motivational drive (“wanting”) and the reinforcing reward (“liking”) associated with food and drug seeking behaviors. The “drive-reward paradox” refers to the observation that dopamine is critical for the motivation to seek rewards but
This 2007 study by Lenoir et al. investigated the relative reinforcing effects of intense sweetness versus cocaine in rats. In a series of experiments, rats were given a choice between water sweetened with saccharin (a non-caloric sweetener) or intravenous cocaine. Remarkably, 94% of the rats preferred the sweet taste of
