Investigation of Neuro-hormonal Mechanisms of Hunger, Fullness and Obesity.

CCK-dysregulation: Mechanisms of Abnormal Food Regulation and Obesity

The purpose of this study is to determine abnormal neuro-hormonal mechanisms that may impair the ability to feel full and which therefore, may lead to obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females 18 to 65 years of age.
• Obese Subjects with BMI >40.
• Normal weight subjects with BMI = 18.5-24.9

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age younger than 18 years and over 65 years of age.
• Current use of narcotics or morphine
• Previous gastric surgery
• Presence of the following disorders that are known to cause functional gastric stasis syndromes: Diabetes Mellitus, Hypothyroidism, Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Dermatomyositis, Familial Dysautonomia, Pernicious Anemia, Bulbar poliomyelitis, Amyloidosis, Gastric Ulcer, Post-vagotomy, Tumor-associated gastroparesis, Fabry disease, Myotonic Dystrophy, Post-operative ileus, Gastroenteritis.
• Presence of the following disorders that are known to cause delayed gastric emptying: peptic ulceration, recent surgery, pyloric hypertrophy, post-radiotherapy, ileus, anorexia nervosa, acute viral infections.
• Presence of the following disorders that are known to cause rapid gastric emptying: Pyloroplasty, Hemigastrectomy, Duodenal ulcer, Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), Hyperthyroidism
• Current use of Thyroxine as it is known to cause rapid gastric emptying
• Current or recent (within the last 2 weeks) use of anti-spasmodics or pro-kinetic medications.
• Current use of Hyperalimentation
• Presence of any metabolic disorder, such as: hyperglycemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hepatic coma or myxedema.
• Current use of estrogen or progesterone
• Current use of the following drugs that are known to delay gastric emptying: Nifedipine, beta-adrenergic agonists, Isoproterenol, Theophylline, Sucralfate, anticholinergics, Levodopa, diazepam, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazine, Progesterone, oral contraceptives, alcohol, nicotine, opiates.
• Allergy to eggs or wheat.
• Pregnancy.