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

As to the science behind this, Dr Jenkinson points to the role of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

Sedentary rats on the cafeteria diet had sharply higher insulin and leptin levels, but these elevations were significantly reduced in those that exercised.

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

In the weeks following birth, however, leptin also helps direct the formation of circuits that control homeostatic functions.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

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 • Aug. 7, 2024

“Your leptin levels go down, and when leptin goes down, a signal goes to the brain that you don’t have enough fat to survive.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024