WHAT IS LEPTIN?

Leptin is a hormone produced in your fat cells. Leptin sends signals to your brain to let you know that you are full and should stop eating. It also signals your brain to turn on your metabolism. 

The presence of excessive leptin has been linked to obesity. When there is too much leptin in the bloodstream, leptin sensitivity decreases because the excess appears to block the effective flow of leptin to the brain. The result is increased appetite and cravings, as well as decreased metabolic function. 

Since leptin is a hormone that is produced in your adipose tissue, there aren´t any leptin-rich foods that will cause your leptin levels to rise. There are foods, however, that can help to increase or decrease your leptin sensitivity. This may help to restore the way leptin signals your brain to shut off your appetite and begin burning fuel. The result is that you will eat less and metabolize foods more efficiently, which could result in weight loss. 

Having protein for breakfast is one step you can take to begin to restore leptin sensitivity. Fish, fiber-rich foods and leafy greens are also recommended.

Eating excessive carbohydrates and snacking may be your biggest hurdles to re-establishing leptin sensitivity.

By Sonia Marañón