How does leptin affect appetite and energy expenditure?

Leptin is a hormone primarily produced by adipose (fat) tissue and plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance in the body. It functions as a key signal to the brain regarding the body's energy status. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, which signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. This mechanism helps to prevent excessive weight gain by promoting feelings of satiety (fullness) while encouraging the body to burn more calories.

By suppressing appetite, leptin helps reduce food intake, while the increase in energy expenditure means that the body is more likely to use up stored fat for energy. This dual action plays an important role in maintaining body weight and metabolic homeostasis. Understanding this function of leptin is essential in the context of weight management and the treatment of obesity, highlighting its importance in the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure.