| Previous observations have shown that oral administration of 5-
hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) without dietary prescriptions causes
anorexia, decreased food intake, and weight loss in obese subjects.
To confirm these data over a longer period of observation and to
verify whether adherence to dietary restriction could be improved by
5-HTP, 20 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5-
HTP (900 mg/d) or a placebo. The study was double-blinded and was for
two consecutive 6-wk periods. No diet was prescribed during the first
period, a 5040-kJ/d diet was recommended for the second. Significant
weight loss was observed in 5-HTP-treated patients during both
periods. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and a consistent presence
of early satiety were also found. These findings together with the
good tolerance observed suggest that 5-HTP may be safely used to
treat obesity.
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