Leptin — a hormone secreted by our fat cell (adipocytes), regulates our appetite and metabolism. Leptin is helpful in suppressing the hunger and burning stored fat. Low levels of leptin in the body have been associated with low metabolism and more hunger cravings. The relation between leptin and obesity is strong as low levels of Leptin would mean increased risk of obesity.
Resistance of Leptin and Obesity Risk:
Leptin is an appetite-suppressing hormone which helps in controlling hunger cravings. It was observed that obese people have high levels of leptin in their body. But, it did not result in decreased appetite. The is because obese people can become leptin-resistant similar to insulin resistance in diabetes.
Due to high concentration of leptin from high fat stores, obese people can suffer from leptin desensitization. This means that even if leptin is released, the brain does not get the signal that the person is full.
Some people who have low levels of Leptin can also have low metabolism, increased hunger. Lack of sleep was found to decrease the leptin levels. Lack of sleep also increases the levels of ghrelin hormone. (Increased ghrelin levels can stimulate appetite). Hence, it is important for those who plan to lose weight to get enough sleep every night.
Fasting and having a low-calorie diet can also lower leptin levels, which gives us reasons why fasting followed by normal diet can make you regain the lost pounds.
Leptin For Obesity:
Leptin for obesity is extremely beneficial as it works as an appetite-suppressing hormone. Research is going on to produce a drug, which can help in suppressing appetite. This drug would help in sensitizing people to the hormone Leptin and decreasing their appetite. However, it might take many years for such drug to be developed.
