Leptin is a hormone that makes you feel full.
Leptin was only discovered in 1994, and scientists are still working to understand what leptin’s role is.
Over time, that can lead to obesity.
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This article covers leptin, what contributes to leptin resistance, and leptin’s role in obesity.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
What Is the Function of Leptin?
Leptin is a hormone thats released by fat cells and processed in the brain.
Because of that, leptin reduces appetite.
It also helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels.
This helps people maintain a body size thats healthy for them.
Managing stress and avoiding ultra-processed foods are also important to restore leptin sensitivity and support overall metabolic health.
What Is Leptin Resistance?
Leptin resistance is a condition in which the brain does not respond to leptin as it should.
Scientists are still learning about leptin resistance and what can cause it and worsen it.
However, they have learned that leptin resistance is common in people who have obesity.
People who are resistant to leptin frequently feel hungry.
This causes them to eat more and gain weight.
In turn, that weight gain and excess fat cells can contribute to leptin resistance.
This causes them to eat constantly and develop obesity very early in life.
Though related to leptin resistance, this condition is different and more severe.
It occurs alongsidehypothalamic hypogonadism,another genetic condition that impacts hormone production.
Understanding Leptin Levels
Leptin levels can be a bit confusing.
So, higher levels are actually an indication of less leptin sensitivity.
What Are Normal Leptin Levels?
Scientists are still studying leptin levels and whats healthy.
The study also found:
What Test Measures Leptin Levels?
Healthcare providers can measure leptin levels with a blood test.
What Happens When Leptin Levels Are Too High?
When your leptin levels are too high, your brain doesnt process the hormone effectively.
This leads to leptin resistance.
Try these changes to fight leptin resistance and improve your leptin sensitivity.
That could contribute to leptin resistance.
Eat More Fiber
Getting more fiber can also decrease your leptin levels.
Reduce Your Fat Intake
Reducing fat intake, especially saturated fats, could help stabilize leptin levels.
One study found that triglycerides, a throw in of fat, contribute to leptin resistance.
What Foods Are High in Leptin?
Leptin isnt found in food, since its produced by the human body.
Summary
Leptin is a hormone that makes you feel full.
However, many obese people have levels of leptin that are too high.
Because of that, leptin resistance leads to weight gain.
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