Summary of research paper by Fadahunsi, Moos Knudsen & Clemmensen, published in the Nature Reviews Endocrinology, on 3 November 2022.
The paper, “Do psychedelics have therapeutic potential for obesity?”, examines the possible therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances on obesity, a public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with genetic, environmental, and behavioral components, often leading to various comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. Traditional interventions, including diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy, have shown limited long-term success in addressing obesity. As such, the study explores the potential role of psychedelics as a novel treatment approach.
The authors begin by offering an overview of the history of psychedelic substances, their neuropharmacological mechanisms, and their therapeutic potential in mental health disorders. Classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), primarily act on the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) in the brain. Recent studies have demonstrated that these substances can be effective in treating mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), when used in controlled settings and under professional supervision.
Building on this foundation, the paper delves into the potential application of psychedelics for obesity treatment. The authors posit that psychedelics might address some of the underlying causes of obesity, such as emotional eating, food addiction, and stress-induced weight gain. Moreover, they suggest that the anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity-promoting effects of psychedelics may have indirect benefits on obesity-related comorbidities.
To substantiate their claims, the authors review the existing literature on the association between psychedelics and obesity treatment, including both preclinical and clinical studies. Animal studies have shown that the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor can suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure, leading to weight loss. In human studies, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated promising results in improving mental health and well-being, which can potentially translate into better self-regulation and healthier eating habits.
However, the authors emphasize that the current evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of psychedelic substances in treating obesity. Additionally, they highlight the importance of further investigating the optimal dosing, frequency, and duration of psychedelic-assisted treatments, as well as the potential long-term effects on the brain and overall health.
The paper also discusses the potential risks and challenges associated with using psychedelics as a treatment for obesity. Although these substances have been shown to have a relatively low risk of dependence and toxicity, some individuals may experience adverse psychological effects, such as hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis. Furthermore, legal and regulatory barriers currently hinder the widespread clinical use of psychedelics, necessitating a cautious and evidence-based approach to their integration into mainstream healthcare.
In conclusion, the authors assert that psychedelics hold promise as a novel treatment approach for obesity, addressing some of its underlying causes and offering potential indirect benefits on obesity-related comorbidities. However, more research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these substances, and to navigate the legal, ethical, and practical challenges associated with their use. As the field of psychedelic medicine continues to evolve, it may provide valuable insights into the development of innovative and effective strategies for addressing the global obesity epidemic.
