Leptin

Definition

Leptin is a hormone primarily produced by fat cells that regulates energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which in turn diminishes fat storage in adipocytes. It acts on the brain's hypothalamus to communicate satiety, signaling that the body has enough energy stored.

Related terms

Adipocytes: Fat cells that store energy in the form of fat and release hormones like leptin.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that regulates various bodily functions including hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotional activity; it's the primary target for leptin's action.

Energy balance: The state of equilibrium where the number of calories consumed matches the number of calories used by the body for metabolic processes and physical activities