leptin

American  

[lep-tin] / ˈlɛp tɪn /

noun

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

---

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

---

leptin Scientific  

/ lĕp′tĭn′ /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of leptin

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

leptin

Blood tests also revealed meaningful improvements in markers linked to inflammation and immune function, including reduced levels of leptin and PAI-1.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 11, 2026

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

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 radiation inhibits weight gain by enhancing secretion of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which not only decreases leptin but also increases energy expenditure through the "browning" of subcutaneous fat.

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