Leptin and Gherlin

Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that play important roles in regulating appetite and body weight.

1. Leptin: Leptin is known as the “satiety hormone.” It is produced by fat cells and signals to the brain when we have enough energy stored and should stop eating. Leptin acts on the hypothalamus, reducing appetite and increasing metabolism. In individuals with obesity, there is often a resistance to leptin, meaning the brain does not respond to the hormone’s signal effectively. The main objective of this hormone is to keep your body at a health weight. When the body is functioning optimally, excess fat produces leptin and leptin in turn triggers the brain to suppress hungry, making the excessive fat be used as energy. Leptin is the body’s natural appetite suppressant.
2. Ghrelin: Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone.” It is produced mainly in the stomach and signals hunger to the brain. Ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after eating. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, slows metabolism, and promotes fat storage. It also plays a role in reward and motivation, as it activates the brain’s pleasure center, increasing the desire for food. When the reward center in the brain is stimulated, even if we smell, taste, or even think about tasty foods, ghrelin is produced.

In summary, leptin functions to decrease appetite and increase metabolism, while ghrelin increases appetite and promotes fat storage. The balance between these two hormones is crucial in maintaining a healthy body weight. To keep balance of these hormones, we need a diet high in fiber and good fats and adequate sleep. 

Reference

Klok, M. D., Jakobsdottir, S., & Drent, M. L. (2007). The role of leptin and ghrelin in the regulation of food intake and body weight in humans: a review. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 8(1), 21–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2006.00270.x