Methylphenidate Ritalin by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

 

Methylphenidate and weight loss
Weight loss is known to be a potential side effect of methylphenidate. Methylphenidate  increases brain levels of the chemical dopamine, which is involved in feelings of pleasure and "reward." Dopamine levels increase in response to food, and some research has suggested that people with normally low dopamine levels may be more vulnerable to becoming overweight because of the reward value they get from food. Dr. Gary S. Goldfield and his colleagues at the University of Ottawa in Canada had 14 adults take either a dose of methylphenidate or a placebo shortly before offering the volunteers a buffet lunch. The volunteers' pre-lunch hunger ratings were no different whether they took methylphenidate or the placebo, the drug did cause them to eat less. On average, they ate 11 percent fewer calories, and 17 percent less fat. Since methylphenidate did not affect hunger, this suggests it might have dampened the rewarding effects of the food, according to the researchers. Dr. Gary S. Goldfield is conducting a longer-term clinical trial to see whether methylphenidate does in fact spur weight loss, and whether its effects on dopamine explain the benefit. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August 2007.