Leptin and Ghrelin are two primary peptide hormones that constitute a crucial regulatory axis for energy balance, appetite, and satiety, acting on the hypothalamic centers of the brain. Leptin, produced predominantly by adipocytes, signals long-term energy sufficiency and suppresses appetite, functioning as the satiety hormone. Ghrelin, secreted mainly by the stomach lining, signals acute hunger and is the only known circulating orexigenic hormone.
Origin
Ghrelin was discovered in 1999, its name derived from the Proto-Indo-European root ghre, meaning to grow, due to its ability to stimulate Growth Hormone release. Leptin was discovered earlier in 1994, named from the Greek leptos, meaning thin, reflecting its role in weight regulation. The subsequent research into their interaction established a complex neuroendocrine feedback system that controls energy homeostasis.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves peripheral hormone concentrations signaling to the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus: Leptin acts on its receptors to stimulate anorexigenic neurons (POMC) and inhibit orexigenic neurons (NPY/AgRP), reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. Conversely, Ghrelin stimulates the orexigenic NPY/AgRP neurons, increasing appetite. Dysregulation, such as leptin resistance or excessive ghrelin secretion, fundamentally compromises metabolic health and contributes to the pathophysiology of weight dysregulation.
Lifestyle interventions directly impact hormonal balance by influencing the production, signaling, and metabolism of hormones through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress.
Non-competitive wellness supports hormonal balance and sustainable weight loss by intelligently collaborating with the body's intrinsic regulatory systems.
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