1. A hormone produced by fat cells that regulates appetite and energy expenditure in the body.
Usage: biochemistry; medicine

Examples

• Leptin signals to the brain that the body has sufficient energy stores.
• Low leptin levels can increase hunger and food intake.
• Researchers study leptin to understand obesity and metabolic disorders.
• The discovery of leptin in 1994 revolutionized the study of weight regulation.
• Leptin resistance occurs when the body does not respond properly to the hormone.