The words “Leptins” and “Ghrelins” sound like they came from some Harry Potter picture. However, these are chemicals that we all have in our bodies and they have a huge impact on weight controi.
“Leptins” are produced in fat cells and are also known as the “satiety hormone”, as they cause us to feel full and turn off the desire for food intake. “Ghrelins” are manufactured in the GI tract and they have the reverse effect: They cause us to feel more hungry.
Both leptins and ghrelins perform their work in the hypothalamus part of our brains. Their method of actions is complex in nature and for years, scientists have been trying to find ways of diminishing the impact/production of ghrelins and increasing the impact/function of leptins. If effective strategies could be developed, then weight control would become much easier.
Beware of any over the counter nutraceuticals or supplements that claim to “raise leptin levels” as to date, there have been no effective medications or supplements that have been effectively able to raise leptin levels and induce weight loss.
Why am I discussing an area of science that we do not have effective answers for as yet? Here is the reason: Successful weight control is very complicated and to a large extent, our inability to control weight is “not our fault”. On the surface, it seems easy to tell yourself or have a doctor recommend to you to “eat less and exercise more”. However, the chemical contributions to weight management, whether this refers to serotonin, leptins, ghrelins or others are quite significant and this is why most people need help in controlling weight.
The good news: Despite these chemical factors, we can all still rise above them and be successful in our weight control endeavors.
The words “Leptins” and “Ghrelins” sound like they came from some Harry Potter picture. However, these are chemicals that we all have in our bodies and they have a huge impact on weight controi.
“Leptins” are produced in fat cells and are also known as the “satiety hormone”, as they cause us to feel full and turn off the desire for food intake. “Ghrelins” are manufactured in the GI tract and they have the reverse effect: They cause us to feel more hungry.