Leptin Resistance Explained

Did you know insulin resistance generates leptin resistance?

leptin resistance

If you're reading this post I'm assuming you've already read my post entitled "What is Leptin?".

If you haven't read that post first, please pause and go do that now. Seriously. Without understanding Leptin itself, this post on Leptin Resistance will do you little to no good.

Of course, if you've already done some research on Leptin and are looking for more information on how human bodies can become resistant to it, then look no further. Alright, now that that's out of the way, let's begin!

Where It All Begins

Leptin resistance occurs when your brain stops recognizing the hormone's signal. Even though an over weight body has more than enough of the hormone available and energy stored, your brain is unable to recognize it so it thinks you're still hungry.

As a result, you continue to eat.

Leptin resistance not only contributes to eating more but it also tells your brain that you need to save energy. How is energy saved? Energy is saved when your body burns calories at a slower rate (6Trusted Source). And burning calories at a slower rate is the exact opposite effect we need when we're trying to lose weight.

Now the body has created an environment to build up more fat stores even though it doesn’t need them. So in terms of weight loss, more Leptin is not necessarily what you're looking for. How well your brain interprets Leptin's signal is what really matters (hence the name of our website).

For those that struggle with Leptin resistance, thinking that you are going to overcome the brain’s hunger signal is a futile attempt.  For those that believe they have Leptin resistance, you know how strong that hunger signal is and why so many struggle with controlling their appetite.

This is also the explanation for why so many people yo-yo diet, teetering between weight loss and weight gain. Yes, we can eat properly and restrict our calories in order to lose some excess fat, but the brain still isn’t getting the signal so it increases appetite, while simultaneously decreasing the calories burned, working to store more fat. It's a vicious cycle.

Other Negative Side Effects

Let's take a step back to identify the most likely cause of Leptin resistance, inflammation. When you carry too much fat the fat cells become inflamed and what some call sick. The elevated inflammation level also occurs in the brain and the hypothalamus. Scientists believe this is a leading cause of Leptin resistance.

Inflammation can dull the brain’s Leptin receptor site causing the signaling issue which then triggers resistance.

One study reported that when individuals have elevated inflammation levels, they also have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) which can inhibit Leptin’s role in regulating appetite. It also increases Cortisol levels. CORTISOL LEVELS. As my 8th grade Spanish teacher would say, "this is no bueno."

C-reactive protein (CRP) and Cortisol can shut down the Brain-Leptin communication pathway by binding to Leptin. When this occurs, it becomes almost impossible for Leptin to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the hypothalamus.

Unfortunately, this can put introduce a cycle of weight gain, which leads to more inflammation, which then creates more resistance with the brain. If you find yourself in this cycle, now is the time to do something about it before the problem multiplies beyond your control.

And as much as this hormone thing may feel like it's completely out of your control right now, there are many things you can do to prevent Leptin resistance, that will simultaneously support your weight loss efforts.

What to do about it

Here are some suggestions that may help improve Leptin resistance, ultimately by increasing your sensitivity to Leptin:

  • Increase physical activity: Research in both humans and animals indicates that engaging in regular physical activity may increase Leptin sensitivity (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
  • Decrease your intake of beverages and high-sugar foods: Diets rich in excessive sugar may worsen Leptin resistance. Studies show that Leptin resistance improved in rats on a sugar-free diet (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
  • Eat more fish: Studies suggest that diets that include high levels in anti-inflammatory foods like fish may reduce blood levels of the hormone, improve sensitivity, and promote weight loss (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).

    My personal opinion on this though is that the heavy metals contained in fish (i.e. mercury) that can cause issues elsewhere in your body offset any of the benefits. But I thought I'd still include this one here and let you form your own opinion on the matter.
  • Eat High-fiber cereals: One study reported that eating high-fiber cereals, particularly oat fiber, may improve Leptin resistance and Leptin sensitivity, which in turn aids weight loss (24Trusted Source).
  • Get a good night’s rest: Sleep is key to hormone regulation. Chronic sleep loss has been associated with altered Leptin levels and function (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
  • Reduce your blood triglycerides: Having high triglycerides is stated to inhibit the leptin transporter that is involved in carrying the signal to stop eating from the fat cells through the blood to the brain (28Trusted Source).

In Summary

Consuming a well-balanced diet, performing moderate physical activity (not light physical activity), and getting enough sleep are all great ways to decrease Leptin resistance and encourage weight loss.

I don't know about you, but with my busy lifestyle, those activities aren't always realistic to do or to do consistently (on a daily basis to see notable results). That's why I began researching supplements. I knew that a daily ritual that takes just 7 seconds with a glass of water was more up my alley.

And that's when I discovered Leptitox, a supplement made of 22 natural ingredients that is nutrient-dense and specifically designed to improve Leptin sensitivity.

It has done just that for me personally. My body was incredibly Leptin resistant. How do I know? Because I was always hungry. Even right after meals, when my brain should have recognized that I just consumed a ton of food, and that I had plenty of storage (way more than enough fat stored) that I didn't need to consume anymore food.

Now my cravings have been curbed and I feel like my appetite is regulated to a normal level. I feel the way I did before I ever put on the weight. All from one simple supplement.

I've shared my results with friends and family who have gone on to experience successes of their own with Leptitox. I became an ambassador for their product because I believe in it and have experienced its benefits for myself.

Are you up for the challenge? Can you spare just 7 seconds a day to turn the corner on your weight loss journey and begin shedding those unwanted pounds?

What do you have to lose besides the weight?

leptitox benefits

To lighter, brighter days,

❤️ Hope Williams

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