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A recent article highlighted an interesting study that used hops (Humulus lupulus) to reduce appetite and food cravings in healthy adult women undergoing acute fasting.
This was a randomized, double-blind, cross-over treatment study. Thirty women of normal weight fasted for 24 hours and were given an ad libitum meal to break each fast. They were randomized to a placebo or high-dose (HD) treatment of 250 mg or low-dose (LD) treatment of 125 mg of a bitter hop-based appetite suppressant (Amarasate). Capsules were given 16 hours and 20 hours into the fast.
Subjective measures of appetite (i.e., hunger, fullness, satisfaction, thoughts of food) and food-type cravings overall and subdivided into cravings for sugary, salty, fatty, savory, spicy, and bitter foods were recorded from 16 to 24 hours of the fast and assessed by participants, marking their appropriate subjective feelings on a 100 mm visual analog scale.
When it came to both hunger and fullness, mean change (Δ) in ratings was statistically significant (described as a Δ of ≥10 mm relative to the placebo) in both the LD and HD groups compared with the placebo control.
Those on the HD treatment noted a statistically significant change in satisfaction at all time points; those on the LD treatment noted a change in satisfaction only at certain time points.
Thoughts of food change were noted to be significant at certain times for HD treatment; it did not achieve statistical significance with the LD group.
Both the HD treatment and LD treatment groups achieved statistical significance with regard to lowering overall food cravings as well as savory food cravings.
Sugary food and fatty food craving ratings did not achieve statistical significance in any pre-mealtime points. Interestingly, post-meal sugary food cravings were lower for both the LD and HD treatments.
Caloric intake at the ad libitum meal was statistically significant (14.3% lower) when taking the HD treatment. It was not statistically significant with the LD treatment.
Overall, there were favorable changes noted. These can likely be attributed to the ability of Amarasate to increase blood concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1, cholecystokinin, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine. These peptide hormones are released during intestinal exposure to bitterness, and can induce satiation, enhance postprandial satiety, and may also have a role in reducing food cravings.
This study is limited by the fact that it only had 30 individuals, used normal weight subjects, and its relatively short duration.
, is the Physician Founder of , a Direct Care Wellness practice in central Pennsylvania, which focuses on weight wellness, sleep health, and midlife menopause empowerment. As a quadruple board-certified physician, she offers a holistic, individualized approach to sustainable weight loss using the 4M Pillar Foundation Plan, integrating nutrition, physical activity, mindset, and FDA-approved medications for weight. She also specializes in guiding women through perimenopause and menopause, providing science-backed, FDA-approved hormone therapy for symptom relief. With her brain-based method, patients learn to manage hunger and cravings, leading to lasting results and a better quality of life. She can also be reached on and .
Read the study here and an interview about it here.
Primary Source
Obesity Pillars
Walker E, et al "Gastrointestinal delivery of bitter hop extract reduces appetite and food cravings in healthy adult women undergoing acute fasting" Obes Pillars 2024; 11: 100117.