Weight Reduction Through Inhalation of Odorants

Despite the pervasive problem of obesity and the expenditUre of billions of dollars devising methods of losing weight. no studies have been published on the role of the olfactory sense in determining weight. To assess the effect of inhalation of certain aromas upon weight control. we studied 3193 overweight volunteers. Their average age was 43 years, average height 65 inches. and average weight 217pounds. Each was given <:'01 inhale. containing a blend of odorants and instructed to inhale three times in each nostril whenever feeling hungry. New inhalers containing a new blend of odorants were supplied each month over a period of 6 months. Those subjects whose test scores showed they had good olfactory abilities and who use their inhalers frequently. ate 2 to 4 meals a day, felt bad about overeating, but did not feel bad about themselves lost nearly 5 .pounds, or 2% of body weight per month. It appears possible that inhalation of certain aromas can induce sustained weight loss over a 6-month period.