What part of the brain controls appetite?

Susan123 · 05-20-2006, 06:51 PM

Hi,

I am so curious to know what part of the brain controls appetite? Is it low serotonin levels like I have heard?

Yesterday, I waited to take the phentermine in the morning. I ate a healthy breakfast, but soon after was sooo hungry. It was almost painful, then I took the phentermine, and felt comfortable, no pain or hunger at all.

This is my biggest problem, I get so hungry so often. And have the cravings for high fat, sugary, salty-crunchy foods.

I have lost 8lbs so far!!

I am eating healthy foods and walking every day.

Thanks,
Susan

**yesimln** · 05-20-2006, 06:59 PM

I know that Serotonin and hunger are linked - low serotonin, higher hunger. But it's a chemical in your brain not a part of your brain and I have no clue where it is manufactured. I had hoped when I started taking anti-depressants that it would make me less hungry... ultimately didn't happen. After a few days of getting used to it, that side effect was gone. Dammit!

Ellen

Susan123 · 05-21-2006, 12:18 AM

Yesimln, I think we are both right!

I did a search, and starting reading that serotonin is produced in a small part of the brain. Then it gets into neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and I got lost!

They think low levels of serotonin are related to hunger. this would make sense. Stress is also related as we ALL know!

It is hard to learn all the technical info., just like it is figuring out nutrition, you almost have to be a scientist!!

Thanks for responding,
Susan

Buffalo · 05-27-2006, 11:18 PM

I know that the hypothalamus is the physical structure of the brain involved in eating behaviors, but I think it is totally separate from serotonin. 5-HTP is supposed to increase serotonin, L-Carnitine is supposed to help with specific cravings and some say that Chromium Picolinate aids in weight loss too. I take the Chromium and 5-HTP and feel it does work better than the Phentermine by itself.

Susan123 · 05-28-2006, 01:22 AM

Thank you Buffalo,

I will get some supplements tomorrow!

Susan

PS Are you experiencing side effects?

Buffalo · 05-28-2006, 01:28 AM

Nope, no side effects. I also forgot to mention that I take a B-12 under the tongue supplement daily. I definitely have more energy and it does seem to make the Phen work again. I have taken it on and off for awhile and probably developed some tolerance. Now it seems to work better. There is some other supplement you can take for cravings, but I can't think of the name. I will try to find out. I think it specifically reduces cravings for sweets.

Susan123 · 05-28-2006, 01:31 AM

I take B-12 too.

**top-dawg** · 05-28-2006, 03:34 AM

Hello Susan123, The neurons in the brain that release serotonin are found in a small, dense collection of neurons called RALPHE NUCLEI. They are found in the medulla, pons and midbrain and all are located at the top of the spinal cord. The more serotonin the less the hunger.When you take two or more combinations of drugs and/or supplements which increase the serotonin, you place yourself at risk for a serious disorder known as the serotonin syndrome. This is something you really need a health care professional to monitor. D-5 is not considered a supplement, really, it is a amino acid.