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Leptin is a hormone produced mainly by adipose tissue. This hormone plays an important role in weight regulation. In recent years, leptin supplements have become quite popular. Many people believe that Leptin can reduce appetite and make it easier to lose weight. However, the effectiveness of hormone supplementation remains controversial.
1. What is Leptin and how does it work?
Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells. In food shortages or starvation, leptin levels decrease. This hormone was discovered in 1994 and has been studied since Leptin has the function of weight regulation and obesity prevention in both animals and humans.
Leptin transmits to the brain information that the body has enough stored fat, helps curb appetite, signals the body to burn calories and prevents overeating. In contrast, when Leptin levels are low, the brain is not able to transmit information and produces a feeling of hunger, from which, appetite increases, the body will produce food cravings and limit the burning of energy to store. This is why Leptin is often referred to as the hunger hormone.
2. Does Leptin help with weight loss?
Theoretically, if the body produces a lot of leptin, the brain will receive a signal that the body has enough stored energy and can stop taking in calories. In fact, however, obese people have been shown to have much higher levels of this hormone than average-weight individuals. Leptin resistance occurs when the brain stops accepting signals from this hormone.
This means that although the body has enough Leptin hormone and enough calories needed, the brain still does not recognize the signal and still creates a feeling of hunger and needs to take in more calories from food. Leptin resistance not only contributes to the body's ability to absorb more food, but also signals to the brain that the body needs to conserve energy, which in turn limits calorie burning. Therefore, supplementing with blood leptin levels does not actually lead to weight loss.
3. Do leptin supplements work?
Most leptin supplements do not actually contain hormones. While many supplements are labeled as leptin pills, most contain a mixture of different nutrients that are marketed to reduce inflammation and, therefore, increase leptin sensitivity. Some ingredients such as alpha-lipoic acid and fish oil, green tea extract, soluble fiber or conjugated linoleic acid. There is a lot of research regarding the supplementation of these drugs and weight loss, but the effect of these supplements on improving leptin resistance and appetite remains unclear.
Several studies have looked at the African mango variety, or Irvingia gabonensis, and its suggested positive effects on leptin sensitivity and weight loss. It has been shown to be able to reduce the level of leptin in the blood, which is favorable for improving the body's sensitivity to this hormone. Even so, more medical studies are needed to conclude whether supplements affect leptin resistance.
4. Natural way to strengthen resistance and aid in weight loss
Here are some suggestions that may help improve leptin resistance, increase sensitivity, and encourage weight loss without the need for supplements:
Increase physical activity: Studies in both animals and Humans have shown that engaging in regular physical activity can increase leptin sensitivity. Reduce intake of foods and beverages high in sugar: A diet that limits sugar may reduce leptin resistance. Studies have shown improved resistance in rats given a sugar-free diet. Eat more fish: Studies show that a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods like fish can lower blood hormone levels, improve the body's sensitivity to Leptin, and promote weight loss. High-Fiber Cereals: One study found that eating high-fiber cereals, especially oat fiber, could improve Leptin resistance and sensitivity, which in turn aid in weight loss. The key to hormone regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with altered leptin levels and function. Lowers blood triglyceride levels: High levels of triglycerides are thought to inhibit the leptin transporter, which impairs hormone signaling to the brain.
Adhering to a balanced diet, healthy, moderate physical activity and getting enough sleep are the best ways to improve leptin resistance and encourage weight loss. For healthy weight loss, you should see a nutritionist for advice on the best weight loss diet.
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Reference article: healthline.com