leptin

[ lep-tin ]

noun

1. a hormone that is thought to suppress appetite and speed up metabolism.

leptin

/ ˈlɛptɪn /

noun

1. a protein, produced by fat cells in the body, that acts on the brain to regulate the amount of additional fat laid down in the body

leptin

/ lĕp′tĭn′ /

1. A peptide hormone and neurotransmitter produced by fat cells and involved in the regulation of appetite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptin¹

1995–2000; < Greek leptós small, thin + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptin¹

C20: from lepto- + -in

Example Sentences

Two hormones regulate how full or hungry we feel – ghrelin triggers feelings of hunger, while leptin makes us feel full.

From Salon

Once we see, smell and start eating food, it takes 20-30 minutes for leptin to become active.

From Salon

This means that, when we eat too quickly, we ingest more than we actually need – leptin does not have enough time to kick in and tell us that we have had enough.

From Salon

For the first factor, the researchers used mice genetically lacking a leptin receptor.

From Science Daily

Leptin is a hormone that promotes satiety.

From Science Daily