Pharmacological approaches to food craving

Summary This study will examine the effect of topiramate on self-reported cravings and objective measures of autonomic nervous system activation in response to palatable foods in people with obesity.

Project Details

The currently available pharmacological treatments for obesity work primarily by reducing hunger and increasing satiety (fullness). However, we eat not only to satisfy our hunger, but in response to many other motivations including hedonic (reward) factors, food cravings, stress and emotions.

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication, which suppresses cravings for alcohol and other substances. It is used off-label for appetite reduction and binge eating, but there are few studies that have examined exactly how topiramate affects eating behaviours. This study will examine the effect of topiramate on self-reported cravings and objective measures of autonomic nervous system activation in response to palatable foods in people with obesity.

This study may lead to clinical trials of this agent as a treatment for disordered eating.