Effect of the CRF₁-receptor antagonist pexacerfont on stress-induced eating and food craving.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

In rodents, antagonism of receptors for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) blocks stress-induced reinstatement of drug or palatable food seeking.

Objective

To test anticraving properties of the CRF₁ antagonist pexacerfont in humans.

Methods

We studied stress-induced eating in people scoring high on dietary restraint (food preoccupation and chronic unsuccessful dieting) with body-mass index (BMI) >22. In a double-blind, between-groups trial, 31 "restrained" eaters were stabilized on either pexacerfont (300 mg/day for 7 days, then 100 mg/day for 21 days) or placebo. On day 15, they underwent a math-test stressor; during three subsequent visits, they heard personalized craving-induction scripts. In each session, stress-induced food consumption and

SUBMITTER: Epstein DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5580374 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature