The secretion of the leptin hormone is a cue that your body is feeling full, and you should stop eating. However, many tend to overpass this, leading to chronic conditions like obesity, according to integrative health coach Dr Harshini Jain. “A lot of obese people are leptin resistant. They keep on hogging on food such that the body is not able to read the cue from the hormone,” Dr Jain claimed on the 9& Beyond podcast.
Let’s understand more about this condition.
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai, said leptin resistance is seen when the brain becomes less responsive to the leptin hormone, which is produced by fat cells. “This hormone helps regulate hunger and a person’s energy spending. Regarding a healthy metabolic system, leptin signals to the brain that enough energy is stored in fat reserves, helping to control appetite and promote satiety after meals. However, ones with leptin resistance can have constant feelings of hunger and higher food intake, leading to piling up those excess kilos,” explained Dr Agarwal.
How does it affect the body?
Leptin resistance has been linked to “various health issues including obesity-related inflammation and an increased risk for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease”, noted Dr Agarwal.
“Interestingly, factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, and diets high in processed foods can exacerbate the condition by contributing to systemic inflammation,” said Dr Agarwal.
What can help?
Dr Agarwal said that to deal with leptin resistance, avoid processed food, adhere to a well-balanced diet, exercise daily, get a minimum of 8-9 hours of sleep daily, and eat a protein-rich diet.
Here’s what happens in the brain (Source: Freepik)
“It is essential to take the help of an expert when it comes to diet and follow the guidelines to ensure you stay in top shape,” said Dr Agarwal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
