Estrogen replacements may limit binge-eating

A new mice model has revealed that estrogen replacement may limit binge-eating behaviors.

According to the study, effect required the presence of estrogen receptors in serotonin neurons and direct delivery of an estrogen conjugate to serotonin neurons reduced binge eating in these animals.

The researchers found that activation of estrogen receptors with the drug propylpyrazole triol suppressed binge eating and believe that targeting estrogen receptors should be further explored as a strategy to inhibit binge eating.

Binge eating disorder affects approximately 5 percent of adults in the US, and if left unchecked, this disorder leads to health complications, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.