Role of Leptin in Weight Loss

The protein hormone leptin is a neurotransmitter important to the homeostatic regulation of body weight. Leptin was identified as a gene in obese mice, in the genetic obesity syndrome (1994 New York University). Leptin influences hypothalamus and pituitary hormones and promotes secretion of growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone. It is produced by adipose tissue and synthesized in the placenta and gastrointestinal tract. Leptin influences the regulation of appetite, energy expenditure and fat reserve. The lack of secretion of leptin rarely causes obesity itself, though some people are less sensitive to its action. Leptin increases metabolism and decreases appetite, by binding to the satiety center in the hypothalamus, signaling that the stomach is full. Leptin signals your nutritional status to the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral organs. It influences the reproductive system and the release of insulin. Currently, researchers suspect that overweight individuals may have defective leptin utilization, causing satiety to be inhibited. Exogenous leptin (introduced from an outside source) administration may affect weight loss (debatable).