Leptin has a more profound effect when we lose weight and levels of the hormone fall. This stimulates a huge appetite and increased food intake. The hormone helps us to maintain our normal weight and unfortunately for dieters, makes it hard to lose those extra pounds!

Does leptin make you more hungry?

Leptin is a hormone, made by fat cells, that decreases your appetite. Ghrelin is a hormone that increases appetite, and also plays a role in body weight.

Why does leptin make you hungry?

Although there is a high amount of leptin circulating in the body, the brain doesn't detect that it is there. This is referred to as leptin resistance. With leptin resistance the brain thinks we must get something to eat so we don't starve. This leads to increased hunger and leads to overeating.