Leptin Resistance and Weight Loss - Module 6

Ghrelin, Leptin, and Appetite Regulation

1. Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

   • Signals the body that it’s time to eat (think “yellin' ghrelin”).

2. Leptin: The Satiety Hormone

   • Calms the hunger signal, regulates appetite, and helps the body determine how many calories to burn.
   • Fat tissue produces leptin.
   • Excess fat can result in elevated leptin levels, but this can lead to leptin resistance, where the body no longer responds to the "full" signal.

3. Leptin and PCOS

   • Women with PCOS often have higher leptin levels, which may affect hunger regulation and energy balance.

4. Strategies to Feel Full and Support Healthy Appetite Regulation

   • Eat high-fiber foods.
   • Include protein in meals and snacks.
   • Improve sleep quality to help manage hunger and satiety hormones.

Understanding how ghrelin and leptin interact is crucial, especially for managing PCOS, where hormone imbalances can affect appetite and weight regulation.