How Does Bromocriptine Help With Weight Loss?

Bromocriptine prevents prolactin from being excreted by the pituitary gland and is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and Type II diabetes. There have been recent findings of possible weight loss effects from bromocriptine, but exact mechanisms have yet to be established.

Function

• By preventing prolactin secretion, bromocriptine allows prolactin’s opposite hormone, dopamine, to be more effective. It is hypothesized that it is the increased dopamine that explains weight loss findings.

Effects

• Dopamine provides feelings of satisfaction, which is then thought to curb the need for positive stimulus from food and result in decreased appetite.

Theories/Speculation

• Obesity has been linked to inadequate amounts of dopamine. Thus, overweight individuals are commonly treated with dopamine. Because bromocriptine assists dopamine it is being considered for weight loss treatment.

Warning

• Side effects from bromocriptine include nausea, headaches and constipation. Psychotic side effects such as hallucinations and delusions have been associated with bromocriptine use.

Considerations

• Bromocriptine has yet to seriously establish itself in the weight loss industry, as its unknown mechanism and safety considerations have not yet been thoroughly examined. Therefore, doctors continue to recommend other weight loss techniques.