219k views
2 votes
The hormone leptin plays an important role in regulating body weight. Leptin is primarily produced by _________________________.

User Alephnerd
by
7.8k points

2 Answers

1 vote

Final answer:

Leptin is primarily produced by adipose tissue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Leptin, the hormone that plays an important role in regulating body weight, is primarily produced by adipose tissue, which is a connective tissue found throughout the body.

User Dillion Ecmark
by
7.8k points
6 votes

Final answer:

The hormone leptin plays an important role in regulating body weight. Leptin is primarily produced by adipose tissue in response to food intake.

Step-by-step explanation:

Here is how leptin functions in regulating body weight:

1. Leptin production:

- Adipose tissue releases leptin into the bloodstream in proportion to the amount of fat stored in the body.

- When body fat increases, more leptin is produced, and when body fat decreases, less leptin is produced.

2. Signaling mechanism:

- Leptin acts as a signal to the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which is involved in regulating appetite and energy balance.

- The hypothalamus receives the leptin signal and interprets it to adjust food intake and energy expenditure accordingly.

3. Appetite regulation:

- Leptin helps regulate appetite by suppressing hunger and promoting satiety.

- When leptin levels are high, it signals to the brain that the body has enough energy stores, leading to a reduction in appetite and food intake.

- Conversely, low levels of leptin signal the brain to increase appetite and food intake.

4. Energy expenditure:

- Leptin also influences energy expenditure by increasing the body's metabolic rate.

- Higher leptin levels activate processes that increase energy expenditure, such as increasing thermogenesis (heat production) and promoting physical activity.

User LearnByReading
by
7.8k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories