What is leptin and how does it affect weight?

Leptin is a hormone, by controlling the level of which we can protect ourselves from gaining extra pounds. To do this, you just need to see an endocrinologist in time to undergo hormonal tests. More about leptin.

Leptin and our weight

Leptin is a protein that scientists have discovered quite recently. This word, leptin, is translated from Greek as "thin". That is, thanks to leptin, you can be thin and slender. Or, on the contrary, fat and clumsy.

Scientific research shows that leptin can be produced by fat cells. It can influence how fats are distributed in the body and how much of them are produced. Circulating in the blood, leptin helps maintain optimal glucose levels in the body, which is how we get vital energy.

During menopause and over the years, less leptin is produced, so we can gain weight rapidly. But an excess of leptin in the body is also a risk. With an excess of this hormone, our appetite is greatly reduced, which means that fat is almost not deposited. It would seem that this is good. But no.

Without sufficient fat in the body, a woman cannot become pregnant. In addition, lack of appetite threatens anorexia (increased thinness), headaches and nervous breakdowns.

There may also be another extreme: with elevated leptin levels, a person gains a lot of weight, and it becomes increasingly difficult to lose it.

Therefore, a golden mean is needed in everything, including the amount of leptin.

What else can leptin do?

This hormone promotes the production of the hormone neuropeptide in the hypothalamus. Neuropeptide promotes a stronger appetite, which, of course, ends in extra pounds.

Since leptin is a fairly strong hormone, it can increase the levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen in our blood. Accordingly, these hormones also mutually influence the balance of leptin. Scientific studies show that leptin levels increase:

• During menstruation.
• During pregnancy.
• For obesity.
• After artificial insemination.
• For polycystic ovary syndrome.

Then the woman may begin to gain weight. Moreover, this weight gain may manifest itself in different ways. For example, during menopause, a woman's figure may resemble an apple, since the lower part gains weight more: legs, hips, buttocks, stomach.

If a woman is resistant to leptin or has low levels of it, fat deposits are more noticeable in the abdominal area. Diabetes may develop as a side effect. If a woman is found to be resistant to leptin during menopause, another hormone, estrogen, can be introduced into the blood. Then, leptin sensitivity can be restored.

If you have discovered symptoms of unhealthy obesity, consult an endocrinologist to conduct hormonal tests for leptin levels in the blood.

What good things can be said about leptin?

This hormone is not as bad as you might think. Normal production of leptin in the body ensures our slimness by reducing fat deposits. Therefore, it is important to maintain its balance in the body.

Lose weight correctly and under the supervision of a doctor. Be healthy.