Leptin is a hormone manufactured in fat cells of the body. It affects food intake and energy expenditures by interacting with a receptor in the brain. Previous studies involving mice found that those who are missing the gene that regulates leptin production become fat. When they are given leptin, they eat less and lose weight. But the situation is less clear-cut in humans.
Obese people tend to have high leptin levels.
Researchers believe these individuals may have a leptin resistance that blocks their ability to recognize or respond to the hormone. He adds that although other studies have found that weight loss leads to a reduction in high blood pressure and leptin levels, further research is needed to determine if reduced leptin levels due to weight loss can reduce a person's risk of high blood pressure. A second factor is whether the fat is deposited near the surface of the skin or deeper within the body. A third consideration is insulin, which stimulates leptin production. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose, a main food source.