leptin

American  

[lep-tin] / ˈlɛp tɪn /

noun

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

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leptin British  

/ 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

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leptin Scientific  

/ lĕp′tĭn′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of leptin

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

Example Sentences

"So if insulin levels are too high, it actually then dilutes the leptin signal and suddenly the brain can't sense how much fat is stored."

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

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

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2024

They found that UV exposure raises norepinephrine levels, decreases leptin levels, and induces the browning of subcutaneous fat, thereby increasing energy expenditure.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

But that doesn’t work for people who have developed resistance to leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024

Using genetically modified mice, they have shown that the chemical messenger leptin plays a key role in this process.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2023