Leptin
The satiety hormone — regulates hunger and energy balance.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Leptin is your body's "fullness hormone." It tells your brain you have enough energy stored. In obesity, the brain can become resistant to leptin, so you never feel truly satisfied.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Leptin is an adipokine secreted by adipocytes proportional to fat mass. It acts on hypothalamic receptors to suppress appetite. Leptin resistance is common in obesity, contributing to hyperphagia.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Understanding leptin explains why willpower alone is often insufficient for weight loss. Medical treatments that improve leptin sensitivity are under active research.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.