What is the role of Leptin?

Leptin, often referred to as the "satiety hormone," plays a critical role in regulating energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which in turn helps to regulate body weight. It is produced by fat cells and signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase the amount of energy used. Andrew Huberman discussed that leptin communicates to the brain about the current level of body fat, influencing both appetite and metabolic processes.

Leptin is not only involved in appetite and weight regulation but also has a role in the onset of puberty and bone growth. Adequate body fat and leptin levels are required for the normal onset of puberty, as leptin signals the brain about the sufficiency of energy stores necessary for reproductive functions. Conversely, leptin resistance, often due to obesity, can disrupt these signals, leading to issues such as continued eating because the brain does not properly receive the satiety signaling despite adequate or excessive food intake 1 2 3 4.

Moreover, leptin has been found to affect other growth factors in the body. It significantly impacts bone density and may accelerate puberty, especially in contexts of increased body fat 1 5.