Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells in our bodies and is a mediator of long-term regulation of energy balance and suppressing food intake by letting us know we are no longer hungry. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and this fast acting hormone lets the brain know we are hungry. Ghrelin and Leptin work together to let us (our brain) know when we need fuel, energy and when we have adequate amounts and are satisfied.
People with obesity have high levels of leptin due to the large amounts of fat storage. These high leptin levels are combined with high insulin levels seen in obese and diabetic people and a subsequent leptin resistance occurs. This combination causes the stomach to slow or switch off cells that make ghrelin, leading to decreased ghrelin levels and a hormone imbalance occurs. Cells that would usually tell our brain that we have consumed enough food are no longer active, causing people to constantly feel hungry. This constant hunger combined with high carbohydrate, processed foods leads to weight gain and ill health.
