Dinitrophenol in the Treatment of Obesity

Since our first report on the metabolic stimulant action of 2-4 dinitrophenol (alpha)¹in animals and men, and a preliminary paper indicating clinical possibilities for this compound,²its use has been continued in the outpatient department of the Stanford Clinics and in private practice. Some of the early clinical results in obesity were summarized in a progress report.³Various clinical reports have detailed the actions of the drug under different dietary conditions,⁴its circulatory effects,⁵changes in blood cholesterol,⁶and effects on the icteric index and van den Bergh test.⁷The evidences for changes in blood cholesterol, liver damage and certain red blood cell characteristics were negative. Our experimental work and clinical experience with the drug has now extended over a period of four years, during which time it has been given to hundreds of patients. Therefore it is felt that there may