Researchers study psilocybin as a treatment for obesity

Researchers affiliated with the University of Copenhagen are studying psilocybin as a potential treatment for obesity.

Previous research on psilocybin and other psychedelic substances has repeatedly shown that these substances can be an effective treatment for mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. In addition, a correlational study A study published last year found that people who reported having tried a classic psychedelic drug at least once in their lifetime were much less likely to be overweight or obese.

In a recent study, scientists affiliated with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark conducted an experiment on mice to investigate psilocybin’s potential to reduce food cravings. To conduct this study, the researchers used mouse models of genetic obesity, diet-induced obesity, and binge-eating disorder to examine the effect of psilocybin on body weight and food intake.

Initial results showed that a dose A single high dose of psilocybin or daily microdosing did not result in a reduction in body weight or food intake in obese mice treated with the drug. Although the researchers found no evidence to support the hypothesis, they were encouraged by the study and recommended further research.

«We were surprised to find that psilocybin did not have at least a subtle direct effect on food intake and/or body weight in models of genetic and diet-induced obesity and overeating,» said as reported to PsyPost the author of the study, Christoffer Clemmensen, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen.

«Although we were unable to identify any major effects of psilocybin on energy metabolism in mice or on feeding-related behaviors, we believe there are nuances in the mechanism of action of psychedelics that cannot be adequately captured in rodent models. It is important to note that psilocybin was safe and had no adverse effects on the physiological parameters we tested in mice.»

Obesity: An Increasingly Common and Costly Problem

Health problems associated with obesity include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, making it one of the leading causes of preventable and premature death.

«Perhaps surprisingly, obesity is a disease that is quite resistant to treatment and shares neuropathological similarities with mental disorders, such as addiction,» Clemmensen said.

Dysfunction in homeostatic and reward circuits can lead to «relapse» in obese individuals, making it difficult for them to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and even to medication-based interventions. Since psychedelics are thought to enhance the plasticity of neural circuits, it is possible that, when combined with behavioral therapy, they could serve as powerful tools for «resetting» long-standing compulsive behaviors. Furthermore, classic psychedelics act on the serotonergic system and may have a direct effect on food intake through widespread activation of serotonin (5-HT) receptors, highlighting their potential benefits for obesity.»

The researchers noted that, despite their value for scientific research, mouse models are not a perfect substitute for human subjects and encouraged further studies on psilocybin’s potential to affect food intake and weight.

«The main caveat concerns translation,» Clemmensen said. «Although animal models have generally been invaluable for research in neuroscience and metabolism, they may be inappropriate for testing the health benefits of psychedelics.»

«I remain enthusiastic about this topic—the use of psychedelics to treat obesity and eating disorders—and I think we should start considering which subgroups of patients might benefit from this class of drugs,» he added.

The study, entitled Acute and Long-Term Effects of Psilocybin on Energy Balance and Feeding Behavior in Mice, was published last month by the peer-reviewed journal Translational Psychiatry.