Question

How does leptin regulate energy balance?

Answer 1

Leptin and ghrelin are the two hormones regulating the appetite. Ghrelin is secreted by gastric mucosa, and it is having opposite effects to leptin, it induces the feeling of hunger.

Leptin is the hormone of adipose tissue, released by adipose cells during the triglyceride synthesis. The appetite center is located in the hypothalamus. Leptin suppress the appetite center and the feeling the appetite also suppresses (it causes a feeling of satiety). Thus, appropriate secretion of leptin is needed to avoid obesity, and maintain energy balance. Ghrelin stimulates the appetite center.