Patient-Friendly Explanation

Leptin is the fullness hormone. It is released by your fat cells and tells your brain you have enough energy stored. In obesity, the brain can become resistant to leptin’s signals.

Clinical Definition

Leptin is an adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue in proportion to fat mass. It acts on hypothalamic receptors to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure. Leptin resistance is common in obesity.