Food Cravings, Endogenous Opioid Peptides, and Food Intake: A Review

Extensive research indicates a strong relationship between endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) and food intake. In the present paper, we propose that food cravings act as an intervening variable in this opioid-ingestion link. Specifically, we argue that altered EOP activity may elicit food cravings wh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Appetite 1997-12, Vol.29 (3), p.325-352
Main Authors: MERCER, MICHELE E, HOLDER, MARK D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
activity
alcohol abuse
Alcoholism - physiopathology
Animals
appetite
autism
Autistic Disorder - physiopathology
Biological and medical sciences
brain
cerebrospinal fluid
depression
Depression - physiopathology
drug abuse
Eating - physiology
eating disorders
electrical stimulation
Feeding and Eating Disorders - physiopathology
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Female
food choices
food intake
Food Preferences - physiology
food restriction
foods
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
human behavior
Humans
literature reviews
menstruation
Menstruation - physiology
modulation
motivation
Obesity - physiopathology
opioid peptides
Opioid Peptides - antagonists & inhibitors
Opioid Peptides - physiology
Opioid Peptides - therapeutic use
pregnancy
Pregnancy - physiology
Rats
stress
Stress, Physiological - physiopathology
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:Extensive research indicates a strong relationship between endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) and food intake. In the present paper, we propose that food cravings act as an intervening variable in this opioid-ingestion link. Specifically, we argue that altered EOP activity may elicit food cravings which in turn may influence food consumption. Correlational support for this opioidergic theory of food cravings is provided by examining various clinical conditions (e.g. pregnancy, menstruation, bulimia, stress, depression) which are associated with altered EOP levels, intensified food cravings, and increased food intake.
ISSN:0195-6663
1095-8304
DOI:10.1006/appe.1997.0100