Intranasal oxytocin as a treatment for obesity: safety and efficacy

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Known for its effect on labor and lactation and on emotional and social functions, oxytocin has recently emerged as a key modulator of feeding behavior and indeed suggested as a potential treatment for obesity. The potential positive effect of oxytocin on both metabolic and psychological-behavioral complications of hypothalamic lesions makes it a promising tool in the management of these conditions.

Areas covered

The aim of the present review article is to provide an overview of the mechanism of action and clinical experience of the use of oxytocin in different forms of obesity.

Expert opinion

Current evidence suggests a potential role of oxytocin in the treatment of obesity with different causes. Several challenges remain: an improved understanding of the physiological regulation, mechanisms of action of oxytocin, and interplay with other endocrine axes is fundamental to clarify its role. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of oxytocin for the treatment of different forms of obesity. Understanding the mechanism(s) of action of oxytocin on body weight regulation might also improve our understanding of obesity and reveal possible new therapeutic targets – as well as promoting advances in other fields in which oxytocin might be used.

KEYWORDS:

• Oxytocin
• obesity
• craniopharyngioma
• Prader–Willy syndrome
• hypothalamus
• pituitary gland

Article highlights

• Oxytocin has a key role in the modulation of labor and lactation, psychological and emotional functions and eating behavior and metabolism

• A deficit of oxytocin has been proposed as one of the pathogenic mechanisms for hypothalamic obesity

• Anectodical reports describe positive effects of oxytocin in weight loss and behavior in subject with hypothalamic obesity

• Although some clinical trials have been conducted in subjects with obesity and Prader–Willy syndrome, no conclusion can be drawn

• Longer studies in other diseases (e.g. autism spectrum disorder) showed a favorable safety profile

• Although the premises are promising, further clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of oxytocin for the treatment of different forms of obesity

Declaration of interest

L Albano was a recipient of the Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Fellowship.

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.