Your bodys fat cells releaseleptina hormone that helps regulate your metabolism and weight.
It sends signals to the brain to indicate satiety (feeling full after eating) to suppress hunger.
This article discusses the health impacts, causes, risk factors, and symptoms of leptin resistance.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Leptin resistance arises when those receptors lose sensitivity to leptin.
Levels spike with eating and signal when youve had enough food, contributing to the feeling of fullness afterward.
When you have leptin resistance, your brain cells tell your body youre hungry; you never feel satiated.
As a result, your appetite continues even after your stomach is full.
Having excess leptin desensitizes receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to leptin resistance.
Leptin resistance also makes the body think its lacking leptin and starving.
As a result, metabolism slows down to conserve energy, and you burn fewer calories at rest.
Alongside greater appetite, this contributes to weight gain and fat formation, leading to obesity.
Leptin levels and inflammation are closely linked.
Causes and Risk Factors
Researchers are still working to figure out how leptin resistance works.
Symptoms of Leptin Resistance: How Do People Know?
Since leptin resistance increases hunger and affects how your body uses energy, the main symptom is insatiable hunger.
Since metabolism slows down, weight gain is another common sign.
If you suspect you have leptin resistance, see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Should People Take Leptin Resistance Supplements?
While many supplements claim to boost leptin and promote weight loss, theres limited evidence for efficacy.
However, the effect may be much more limited if you have leptin resistance.
Supplements helped them manage diabetes and reduce weight.
However, there was little to no effect for those with elevated leptin due to obesity.
Your genetics, hormones, and metabolic system can all predispose you to developing this condition.
The long-term goal is to ensure you get the nutrients you need from wholesome sources.
Excess body fat can trigger leptin resistance, causing brain cells to become less sensitive to it.
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