Leptin

Leptin

What's

Leptin

Leptin, commonly known as the "fullness hormone," is a protein produced by your body's fat cells that plays a significant role in managing your energy levels. It talks directly to your brain, specifically the hypothalamus, to inform it about the amount of fat stored in your body. When you eat, your leptin levels increase and tell your brain that you're satisfied, helping to regulate your appetite and prevent overeating. In addition to hunger and food intake, leptin also influences other bodily functions such as fertility, immunity, and brain function. It's an essential part of the intricate system that keeps your body functioning efficiently.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated leptin levels might suggest that your body is experiencing leptin resistance, which means your brain isn't responding well to the "fullness hormone." Even though there's enough leptin in your body, your brain thinks there isn't and keeps telling you to eat more, which could lead to weight gain. This can happen for various reasons, such as ongoing inflammation, too many free fatty acids, high stress, or certain medications like antidepressants or corticosteroids. Lifestyle factors like not getting enough sleep, overeating, and not exercising enough can also contribute to higher leptin levels.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Leptin could include persistent hunger, weight gain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise.

If Your Levels are Low

Low leptin levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this important hormone, which helps control your hunger and energy levels. This could be due to a few different reasons, such as having a low amount of body fat, doing a lot of intense exercise, or eating certain foods. Sometimes, your body might not respond well to leptin, which can be caused by things like ongoing inflammation, too much stress, or not getting enough sleep. Some medications could also affect how much leptin your body makes. Low leptin levels might be a sign of health issues like metabolic problems or hormone imbalances.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Leptin could include persistent hunger, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.

See References

Test for

Access Med Labs

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring leptin.

CardioMetabolic Profile

Doctor's Data

Serum

The CardioMetabolic Profile evaluates risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic factors associated with metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.

Leptin

BostonHeart Diagnostics

Serum

This is a single marker test measuring leptin. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Leptin

Labcorp through Access

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring leptin.

Metabolomic Profile

Doctor's Data

Serum

The Metabolomic Profile assesses an at-risk patient's likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. Early detection of metabolic syndrome risk is important because associated symptoms may not be evident until it is well advanced.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.