Stereotaxic stimulation and electrocoagulation of the lateral hypothalamus in obese humans

SummaryFive patients with gross obesity were subjected to an electrostimulatory exploration of the lateral hypothalamic area. In three cases a convincing hunger response was elicited. Two of these patients received unilateral electrocoagulatory lesions, and in the third a contralateral (left sided) coagulation was performed three months later. In contrast to the two patients who had only been explored, the patients with lesions showed a statistically significant, but transient decrease from preoperative to postoperative spontaneous calorie intake. Body weight decreased slightly and temporarily, but was not significantly affected. It is concluded that in humans, as well as in experimental animals, the lateral hypothalamus is the site of nuclei or tracts that are related to hunger.