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leptin

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Leptin
A protein hormone that affects feeding behavior and hunger in humans. At present it is thought that obesity in humans may result in part from insensitivity to leptin.
Mentioned in: Obesity

leptin
[lep′tin]
Etymology: Gk, thin
a peptide secreted by adipose tissue. Leptin inhibits neuropeptide Y and is thought to be an appetite suppressant. It increases expenditure of energy when fat stores increase. Excess leptin has been found in some obese humans, but the majority have normal levels of leptin.

leptin
Endocrinology An obese gene-encoded adipocyte-derived hormone with hypothalamic and CNS receptors, which induces a sensaton of fullness. See Obesity. Cf agouti yellow, diabetes, Ghrelin, obese, Orexin, tubby.


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Over time, as the body weight increases, people become resistant to the effects of the hormone leptin, which is linked to weight and appetite.
As mentioned earlier, one interesting area of research focuses on the hormone leptin.
Getting too little sleep can boost your appetite by lowering leptin and raising ghrelin levels.
 
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