Leptin, a recently discovered hormone, may play an important role in determining the level of obesity you will experience throughout your life. Leptin is produced by adipocytes, or fat cells, in your body and helps regulate your appetite and metabolism. It was only discovered by researchers in 1994 and, as a result, information on this hormone is limited at this time.
How Leptin Affects Your Appetite
Some very obese children who are genetically incapable of producing leptin have problems losing weight when normal weight-loss techniques are used such as calorie reduction and exercise. Without the presence of leptin, the brain assumes you do not have enough fat and will increase your appetite until the leptin is present in sufficient quantities. When leptin is present in sufficient quantities, you experience the feelings of satiety and fullness along with a lack of hunger and appetite.
How Leptin Works in Your Body
Since leptin is released by visceral, or internal, as well as subcutaneous, or superficial, fat cells, overall body fat is normally in proportion to leptin levels in your body. As levels of leptin increase in your bloodstream with food intake, the specialized leptin receptors in the metabolic control center of your hypothalamus signal the feelings of fullness and, as a result, increase the use of stored fat for energy production. For this reason, leptin is a vital component in regulating the amount of energy you store as fat and the amount of calories you consume.
Could Leptin Resistance Cause Obesity?
If the receptors in the metabolic control center of your hypothalamus do not respond to normal leptin signals, you may suffer from what is known as leptin resistance.
According to Leptin Research, "When brain levels of leptin are low due to 'leptin resistance' -- even if there are high circulating blood levels of leptin -- food cravings and weight gain occur because the body believes that it is hungry and goes into a state of continued fat storage."
Balance Your Leptin Levels Naturally
Balancing your leptin levels naturally with diet and exercise would certainly help in keeping those extra pounds off for good. Reducing or eliminating sugar, grain and vegetables high in starch like potatoes will help prevent or eliminate leptin resistance and assist you in balancing your leptin levels. Include high-intensity exercise like resistance training with free weights or machines, which will encourage fat burning and modulate leptin levels. Include colorful vegetables including the green leafy varieties along with grass-fed, grass-finished meat, free-range eggs and foods with healthy fats such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, avocados and coconut oil. Make sure you get enough sleep, since leptin levels generally increase during sleep.
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