Answer:
Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that plays a key role in regulating energy balance and body weight. Leptin works by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. However, in some obese individuals, leptin resistance can occur, which means that their bodies no longer respond to the hormone in the way that they should. This can result in a continuous state of hunger and reduced energy expenditure, which contributes to the development and persistence of obesity.
When leptin resistance occurs, administering additional leptin may not be effective in reversing obesity. In fact, many obese individuals already have high levels of circulating leptin, indicating that their bodies are producing the hormone in response to excess fat stores. Simply adding more leptin may not address the underlying problem of resistance.
Furthermore, the causes of leptin resistance are not fully understood, and may be multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Therefore, a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of obesity may be needed, which may include changes in diet, exercise, and behavior, as well as medical interventions such as medication or bariatric surgery.