The mechanistic role of leptin in obesity pathogenesis and its impact on weight loss processes – characterization and biosynthesis of the appetite-regulating satiety hormone
Isabella Taylor
2026-03-23
5 min. read
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A comprehensive analytical resource that examines in detail the interrelationships between leptin—a key signaling peptide secreted by adipose tissue—and the complex metabolic processes underlying obesity development, as well as therapeutic strategies aimed at weight reduction through modulation of leptin-dependent pathways
Leptins and their derivatives
Leptin is a protein made up of 167 amino acids released from the adipocytes (fat cells) and mucous membranes of the stomach, as well as from the placenta and fetus during pregnancy. Its amount is proportional to the volume of adipose tissue.
Leptin is effective
Leptin is widely credited with inhibiting the production of carbohydrates and fats in the body and the regulation of food intake, thus protecting against obesity and diabetes. The main known role of leptin in the brain centres responsible for sensing hunger and satiety.
Leptin and obesity
You might ask why people with a lot of fat take in more calories than they need, because leptin, which inhibits hunger, is produced by fat cells, so in obese people, it's produced in greater quantities. The hypothesis that tries to explain this mechanism is that leptin resistance, or weakening of its action, increases NPY (normally inhibited by lectin), which increases the feeling of hunger (which leads to the so-called "hyperfagia" of excessive food intake, so fat cells are produced in larger quantities).
Leptin and weight loss
Taking into account the physiological action of leptin, certain conclusions can be drawn that help the body in the process of weight loss. Let's start with the fact that by reducing the number of fat cells in the body, we reduce leptin in the blood and thus its effects are minimized. The fat burning process is less intense, as opposed to the lipogenesis process (fat production). The body in this way adapts to and defends against weight loss.. Appetite increases. Understanding this mechanism we can more consciously control our reactions and apply a large amount of self-contrast to our body to stop consuming omega-3 fatty acids.
Leptin is the source
The main source of leptin is the fat cells that produce it, but not only. The diet and its release after metabolism stimulate the release of insulin. It is also produced in smaller quantities: the placenta, the fetus, the stomach cells, the liver. Its concentration in the blood is influenced by several factors First of all, as mentioned above, the amount of fat tissue in the body is greater than its mass, and more leptin. However, the diet and the resulting insulin stimulate hormone release. In particular, it stimulates leptin metabolism.
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