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 propo se that food cravings act as an intervening variable in this opioid-in gestion link. Specifically, we argue that altered EOP activity may eli cit food cravings which in turn may influence food consumption. Correl ational support for this opioidergic theory of food cravings is provid ed by examining various clinical conditions (e.g. pregnancy, menstruat ion, bulimia, stress, depression) which are associated with altered EO P levels, intensified food cravings, and increased food intake. (C) 19 97 Academic Press Limited.