Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsSupplementsFoods and Their Effect on Leptin ResistanceFoods to Incorporate With Leptin Resistance
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Supplements
Foods and Their Effect on Leptin Resistance
Foods to Incorporate With Leptin Resistance
Your body’s fat cells releaseleptin—a hormone that helps regulate your metabolism and weight. It sends signals to the brain to indicate satiety (feeling full after eating) to suppress hunger. Leptin resistance occurs when the brain doesn’t respond normally to leptin, leaving those with leptin resistance hungry even when they don’t need food.
This article discusses the health impacts, causes, risk factors, and symptoms of leptin resistance. You’ll also learn about the influence of diet on leptin levels, the effects of supplements or foods on leptin resistance, and how to manage it.
Defining Leptin Resistance
Once fat tissue secretes leptin and ghrelin (anotherappetite-suppressing hormone), they enter the bloodstream and trigger receptors in the part of the brain responsible for maintaining homeostasis—the hypothalamus. Leptin resistance arises when those receptors lose sensitivity to leptin.
Since the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis—the body’s chemical and energy balance—this impacts hunger and plays a central role in obesity and inflammation.
Link With Hunger
Leptin levels in the blood directly act on neurons in the hypothalamus associated with hunger regulation. Levels spike with eating and signal when you’ve had enough food, contributing to the feeling of fullness afterward.
When you have leptin resistance, your brain cells tell your body you’re hungry; you never feel satiated. As a result, your appetite continues even after your stomach is full.
Link With Obesity
Given leptin’s role in hunger and appetite, this hormone is a significant factor in obesity, or excess body fat (defined asbody mass index (BMI)of 30 or above). Since leptin is directly related to the amount of adipose tissue (fat tissue) you have, obesity boosts leptin levels, causing what’s known ashyperleptinemia. Having excess leptin desensitizes receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to leptin resistance.
Leptin resistance also makes the body think it’s lacking leptin and starving. As a result, metabolism slows down to conserve energy, and you burn fewer calories at rest. Alongside greater appetite, this contributes to weight gain and fat formation, leading to obesity.
Link With Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s immune response to infection or damage, and it can arise due to chronic conditions like obesity. Leptin levels and inflammation are closely linked. Chronic inflammation can reduce the body’s response to leptin, leading to leptin resistance, which in turn leads to obesity and weight gain.
Causes and Risk Factors
Researchers are still working to figure out how leptin resistance works. However, they’ve identified various potential mechanisms:
Leptin Levels and Polycystic Ovary SyndromePolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a hormonal disease in which the ovaries become enlarged and develop cysts, causing menstrual irregularity, acne, excessive hair growth, and obesity. Though more work is needed to understand the connections, researchers found leptin levels were higher in those with PCOS than those without.High levels of leptin in the blood may be a good predictor of PCOS.
Leptin Levels and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a hormonal disease in which the ovaries become enlarged and develop cysts, causing menstrual irregularity, acne, excessive hair growth, and obesity. Though more work is needed to understand the connections, researchers found leptin levels were higher in those with PCOS than those without.High levels of leptin in the blood may be a good predictor of PCOS.
Symptoms of Leptin Resistance: How Do People Know?
Since leptin resistance increases hunger and affects how your body uses energy, the main symptom is insatiable hunger. As a result, people with this condition have increased appetite, eat more, remain hungry even after eating, and have less energy. Since metabolism slows down, weight gain is another common sign.
If you suspect you have leptin resistance, see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. In addition to assessing your medical history, medications, and symptoms, they will do blood tests to measure leptin levels, detect other biomarkers of this condition, and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Should People Take Leptin Resistance Supplements?
Work with a healthcare provider to decide whether leptin supplements or other supplements topromote weight lossare an appropriate treatment for you. While many supplements claim to boost leptin and promote weight loss, there’s limited evidence for efficacy. In one study, leptin supplementation for eight weeks reduced caloric intake and increased levels of this hormone in people who didn’t have overweight, obesity, or leptin resistance.
However, the effect may be much more limited if you have leptin resistance. In one study, people with obesity and a congenital form of low leptin experienced improved cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation using supplementation therapy. Supplements helped them manage diabetes and reduce weight. However, there was little to no effect for those with elevated leptin due to obesity.
The foods and beverages you consume affect leptin levels and may impact leptin resistance. Though there’s more work needed, researchers have identified several potential dietary causes of leptin resistance, including:
Leptin Resistance: What You Can Control, and What You Can’tWith leptin resistance, certain factors you can control, and others you can’t. Your genetics, hormones, and metabolic system can all predispose you to developing this condition. Including dietary and lifestyle changes, like managing stress, boosting physical exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep, can help control obesity, the major driver of this issue.
Leptin Resistance: What You Can Control, and What You Can’t
With leptin resistance, certain factors you can control, and others you can’t. Your genetics, hormones, and metabolic system can all predispose you to developing this condition. Including dietary and lifestyle changes, like managing stress, boosting physical exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep, can help control obesity, the major driver of this issue.
Nutrients and Food Groups to Incorporate With Leptin Resistance
Managing diet and adopting healthy eating habits may help you manage leptin resistance. The long-term goal is to ensure you get the nutrients you need from wholesome sources. Foods to emphasize may include:
Summary
Alongside other factors, diets high in processed foods, carbohydrates, and saturated fats can trigger this condition.Incorporating fresh fruit, vegetables, healthy proteins, and fiber may help manage leptin resistance and obesity.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gruzdeva O, Borodkina D, Uchasova E, Dyleva Y, Barbarash O.Leptin resistance: underlying mechanisms and diagnosis.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2019;12:191-198. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S182406Casado ME, Collado-Pérez R, Frago LM, Barrios V.Recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of leptin physiology and actions in neurological and metabolic pathologies.Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(2):1422. doi:10.3390/ijms24021422Obradovic M, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Soskic S, et al.Leptin and obesity: role and clinical implication.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12:585887. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.585887Pérez-Pérez A, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Vilariño-García T, Sánchez-Margalet V.Role of leptin in inflammation and vice versa.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(16):5887. doi:10.3390/ijms21165887Jalilian N, Haghnazari L, Rasolinia S.Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(3):324-8. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.180005.Chrysafi P, Perakakis N, Farr OM, et al.Leptin alters energy intake and fat mass but not energy expenditure in lean subjects.Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):5145. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18885-9Sáinz N, González-Navarro CJ, Martínez JA, Moreno-Aliaga MJ.Leptin signaling as a therapeutic target of obesity.Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2015;19(7):893-909. doi:10.1517/14728222.2015.1018824Mendoza-Herrera K, Florio AA, Moore M, et al.The leptin system and diet: a mini review of the current evidence.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:749050. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.749050Martins GMDS, França AKTDC, Viola PCAF, et al.Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents.Public Health Nutr. 2022;25(3):591-599. doi:10.1017/S1368980021004523Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for obesity.Zeinabi A, Ghaedi H, Hosseini SA.Soluble fiber effect on human serum leptin and adiponectin: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12(4):320-335. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.320Yu ZM, DeClercq V, Cui Y, et al.Fruit and vegetable intake and body adiposity among populations in Eastern Canada: the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health Study.BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e018060. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018060
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gruzdeva O, Borodkina D, Uchasova E, Dyleva Y, Barbarash O.Leptin resistance: underlying mechanisms and diagnosis.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2019;12:191-198. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S182406Casado ME, Collado-Pérez R, Frago LM, Barrios V.Recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of leptin physiology and actions in neurological and metabolic pathologies.Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(2):1422. doi:10.3390/ijms24021422Obradovic M, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Soskic S, et al.Leptin and obesity: role and clinical implication.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12:585887. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.585887Pérez-Pérez A, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Vilariño-García T, Sánchez-Margalet V.Role of leptin in inflammation and vice versa.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(16):5887. doi:10.3390/ijms21165887Jalilian N, Haghnazari L, Rasolinia S.Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(3):324-8. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.180005.Chrysafi P, Perakakis N, Farr OM, et al.Leptin alters energy intake and fat mass but not energy expenditure in lean subjects.Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):5145. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18885-9Sáinz N, González-Navarro CJ, Martínez JA, Moreno-Aliaga MJ.Leptin signaling as a therapeutic target of obesity.Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2015;19(7):893-909. doi:10.1517/14728222.2015.1018824Mendoza-Herrera K, Florio AA, Moore M, et al.The leptin system and diet: a mini review of the current evidence.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:749050. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.749050Martins GMDS, França AKTDC, Viola PCAF, et al.Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents.Public Health Nutr. 2022;25(3):591-599. doi:10.1017/S1368980021004523Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for obesity.Zeinabi A, Ghaedi H, Hosseini SA.Soluble fiber effect on human serum leptin and adiponectin: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12(4):320-335. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.320Yu ZM, DeClercq V, Cui Y, et al.Fruit and vegetable intake and body adiposity among populations in Eastern Canada: the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health Study.BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e018060. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018060
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gruzdeva O, Borodkina D, Uchasova E, Dyleva Y, Barbarash O.Leptin resistance: underlying mechanisms and diagnosis.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2019;12:191-198. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S182406Casado ME, Collado-Pérez R, Frago LM, Barrios V.Recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of leptin physiology and actions in neurological and metabolic pathologies.Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(2):1422. doi:10.3390/ijms24021422Obradovic M, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Soskic S, et al.Leptin and obesity: role and clinical implication.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12:585887. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.585887Pérez-Pérez A, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Vilariño-García T, Sánchez-Margalet V.Role of leptin in inflammation and vice versa.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(16):5887. doi:10.3390/ijms21165887Jalilian N, Haghnazari L, Rasolinia S.Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(3):324-8. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.180005.Chrysafi P, Perakakis N, Farr OM, et al.Leptin alters energy intake and fat mass but not energy expenditure in lean subjects.Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):5145. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18885-9Sáinz N, González-Navarro CJ, Martínez JA, Moreno-Aliaga MJ.Leptin signaling as a therapeutic target of obesity.Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2015;19(7):893-909. doi:10.1517/14728222.2015.1018824Mendoza-Herrera K, Florio AA, Moore M, et al.The leptin system and diet: a mini review of the current evidence.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:749050. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.749050Martins GMDS, França AKTDC, Viola PCAF, et al.Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents.Public Health Nutr. 2022;25(3):591-599. doi:10.1017/S1368980021004523Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for obesity.Zeinabi A, Ghaedi H, Hosseini SA.Soluble fiber effect on human serum leptin and adiponectin: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12(4):320-335. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.320Yu ZM, DeClercq V, Cui Y, et al.Fruit and vegetable intake and body adiposity among populations in Eastern Canada: the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health Study.BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e018060. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018060
Gruzdeva O, Borodkina D, Uchasova E, Dyleva Y, Barbarash O.Leptin resistance: underlying mechanisms and diagnosis.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2019;12:191-198. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S182406
Casado ME, Collado-Pérez R, Frago LM, Barrios V.Recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of leptin physiology and actions in neurological and metabolic pathologies.Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(2):1422. doi:10.3390/ijms24021422
Obradovic M, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Soskic S, et al.Leptin and obesity: role and clinical implication.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12:585887. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.585887
Pérez-Pérez A, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Vilariño-García T, Sánchez-Margalet V.Role of leptin in inflammation and vice versa.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(16):5887. doi:10.3390/ijms21165887
Jalilian N, Haghnazari L, Rasolinia S.Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome.Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(3):324-8. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.180005.
Chrysafi P, Perakakis N, Farr OM, et al.Leptin alters energy intake and fat mass but not energy expenditure in lean subjects.Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):5145. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18885-9
Sáinz N, González-Navarro CJ, Martínez JA, Moreno-Aliaga MJ.Leptin signaling as a therapeutic target of obesity.Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2015;19(7):893-909. doi:10.1517/14728222.2015.1018824
Mendoza-Herrera K, Florio AA, Moore M, et al.The leptin system and diet: a mini review of the current evidence.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:749050. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.749050
Martins GMDS, França AKTDC, Viola PCAF, et al.Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents.Public Health Nutr. 2022;25(3):591-599. doi:10.1017/S1368980021004523
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for obesity.
Zeinabi A, Ghaedi H, Hosseini SA.Soluble fiber effect on human serum leptin and adiponectin: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12(4):320-335. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.320
Yu ZM, DeClercq V, Cui Y, et al.Fruit and vegetable intake and body adiposity among populations in Eastern Canada: the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health Study.BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e018060. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018060
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
