The present invention provides a method of suppressing hunger by lowering plasma ghrelin levels comprising administration of a compound to a human or animal body, wherein the compound is selected from: (i) (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate； (ii) an ester of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate； and (iii) an oligomer of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate moieties； or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The invention also provides a method of administering such a compound in a dosage effective to reduce hunger in order that a cosmetically beneficial loss or maintenance of body weight occurs, wherein in the method, plasma ghrelin levels are lowered. The aforementioned compound is also provided for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body wherein the compound is administered and hunger is suppressed by lowering of plasma ghrelin levels. The compound is particularly useful for subjects having conditions associated with overeating, such as overweight, obese, severely obese patients or diabetic patients.
