How Does Leptin Work?
Leptin works through two hormones, Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropetide Y (NPY). These regulate appetite and body weight. Neurons that produce these hormones often have the majority of leptin receptors. NPY stimulates appetite, while POMC suppresses it. Hormonal imbalance, including leptin resistance, will lead to increased NPY level, decreased POMC, and increased appetite . Boosting leptin and creating the right proportion of hormones decreases NPY and increases POMC, lessening appetite and augmenting metabolism. Leptin is not the only hormone that is involved in metabolic regulation. Newly discovered hormones called incretins are made in the gut and released in response to food. These enhance insulin production and decrease glucagon release. They help the body process food by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin. When incretin levels are low you feel hungry and gain weight.
