Influence of ovarian and non-ovarian estrogens on weight gain in response to disruption of sweet taste - calorie relations in female rats

► Female rats ovariectomized (OVX) as adults do not gain excess weight when given saccharin-sweetened foods. ► Females OVX as adolescents show excess weight gain when given saccharin. ► Females OVX as adults given saccharin show excess weight gain when local production of estrogen is suppressed. ► Local production of estrogens may affect energy regulation in female rats. ► Organizational changes in energy balance may occur during puberty in females.