A new study has revealed that love hormone oxytocin, which is released during sex, childbirth and breastfeeding, could treat anorexia.
According to the study, the hormone has shown to alter anorexics' tendencies to fixate on images of high calorie foods and larger body shapes, News.com.au reported.
Scientists found that anorexics, who were shown images of food and fat body parts, reduced their focus on such images after being given oxytocin using a nasal spray.
Professor Youl-Ri Kim, from Inje University in Seoul, South Korea said that their research adds important evidence to oxytocin treatments for mental illnesses, and hints at the advent of a novel, ground-breaking treatment option for patients with anorexia.
The study is published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app