Answer:

Leptin is a hormone released by fat tissue that helps regulate the long-term balance between food intake and energy expenditure, preventing hunger. The less fat in the body, the less leptin, and vice versa. Leptin is carried by the blood to the brain, primarily affecting the hypothalamus to regulate hunger and energy balance.

Obese individuals often have a lot of fat in their fat cells, corresponding to very high leptin levels. However, the leptin signal from these fat cells may not function effectively. This can cause a lack of response to leptin, known as leptin resistance—one of the main causes of obesity.

Leptin resistance affects the brain, preventing it from recognizing satiety signals, leading to overeating and reduced energy expenditure. This condition slows down metabolism, causing the body to burn fewer calories at rest, increasing fat accumulation. People with leptin resistance tend to experience more frequent hunger pangs than others. Several factors increase the risk of leptin resistance, including chronic inflammation, high levels of free fatty acids in the blood, and initially high leptin levels.

Consuming many processed foods can easily lead to leptin resistance. Illustration: Duc Hanh

A less common condition is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a congenital leptin deficiency usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities that prevent fat tissue from producing leptin. This condition increases the risk of severe obesity in children and also causes symptoms like delayed puberty, blood lipid disorders, fatty liver, increased blood insulin, and hypogonadism.

To reduce leptin resistance, individuals should avoid processed foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and reduce carbohydrate intake to prevent inflammation and fat accumulation. Consult a doctor specializing in endocrinology or obesity treatment for specific examinations and advice. Alongside this, adopting a healthy and scientific diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can contribute to improving leptin resistance.

Dr. Do Tien Vu, M.D.

Center for Weight Control and Obesity Treatment

Tam Anh General Hospital