How Naltrexone Works in Managing Weight
The brain’s reward system³ is a region of the brain that generates feelings of encouragement, playing a crucial role in multiple mental processes that are involved in decision-making. In the context of eating, this reward system is known to influence our decisions, guiding us toward certain food choices⁴ or urging us to avoid others.
Naltrexone is a medication that acts as an opioid antagonist, specifically targeting the μ-opioid receptor.⁵ This receptor is known to play a role in regulating eating behavior. Current research⁶ indicates that naltrexone may inhibit the rise in dopamine levels (your feel-good, reward hormones) that typically happens during eating. As such, naltrexone has the potential to reduce food consumption, curb the desire for food, and alleviate binge-like eating behaviors.⁷
Incorporating Naltrexone Into a Healthy Lifestyle
Weight loss cannot be achieved solely through medication. Optimal results are achieved when paired with positive lifestyle adjustments. Naltrexone works best in conjunction with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise regimen to aid in weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.
It is essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional⁸ before initiating any medication or supplement for weight loss. Regular follow-ups are also important to track progress, make necessary dosage adjustments, and address any potential side effects.
Naltrexone for Weight Loss: Where to Find a Provider
Pellecome® supplements and products, including naltrexone for weight loss, are offered by a qualified network of dedicated healthcare professionals who are committed to helping individuals achieve their optimal well-being.
Pellecome providers have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your unique health requirements, identify any potential concerns, and determine the most suitable medication options for you, taking into account your medical background and weight loss objectives.
Please use our online directory to find an experienced healthcare physician and naltrexone provider near you today.
- UnitedHealthcare® Commercial Medical Benefit Drug Policy [Internet]. [cited 2024 Mar 27]. Available from: https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/subcutaneous-implant-naltrexone-pellets.pdf
- Kulak-Bejda A, Bejda G, Waszkiewicz N. Safety and efficacy of naltrexone for weight loss in adult patients – a systematic review. Archives of Medical Science. 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8314402/
- Lewis RG, Florio E, Punzo D, Borrelli E. The Brain’s Reward System in Health and Disease. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology [Internet]. 2021;1344(1344):57–69. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34773226/
- Morales I, Berridge KC. “Liking” and “wanting” in eating and food reward: Brain mechanisms and clinical implications. Physiology & Behavior. 2020 Dec;227:113152. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7655589/
- Herman TF, Cascella M, Muzio MR. Mu Receptors [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551554/
- Billes SK, Sinnayah P, Cowley MA. Naltrexone/bupropion for obesity: An investigational combination pharmacotherapy for weight loss. Pharmacological Research. 2014 Jun;84:1–11. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661814000449?via%3Dihub
- Yu Y, Miller R, Groth SW. A literature review of dopamine in binge eating. Journal of Eating Disorders. 2022 Jan 28;10(1). Available from: https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-022-00531-y
- Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program | NIDDK [Internet]. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2019. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program
