Final answer:
Leptin inhibits eating by activating CART/α-MSH neurons and inhibiting NPY/AGRP neurons in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of leptin to inhibit eating can be viewed as a dual action in the brain that involves the activation of CART/α-MSH neurons and the inhibition of NPY/AGRP neurons.
Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, acts on specific neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain to regulate hunger and satiety. CART/α-MSH neurons, when activated by leptin, suppress appetite and reduce food intake. On the other hand, NPY/AGRP neurons, when inhibited by leptin, decrease hunger and increase satiety.