Leptin, Serum Test

This test is used to evaluate patients with obesity, delayed puberty, and infertility.

Leptin is a protein hormone that operates as a signal of body fat mass for the central nervous system. It is produced by adipose cells, reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure. Leptin also exerts various effects on metabolism, and sexual development and activity; its serum concentrations are markedly increased in obese subjects. While leptin increases with fat percentage, other sources of variation are important. Diet, activity, genetics, and infectious status, all contribute to leptin variation to some extent independent of adiposity.

Although leptin likely is a fat cell mass/energy storage signal to the central nervous system, acute underfeeding can dramatically lower systemic leptin independent of changes in fat mass. Without adequate systemic leptin, appetite increases markedly. This is consisent with the hypothesis that leptin may serve as an anti-starvation as opposed to an anti-obesity signal.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.


Private MD Lab Services offers the following test for Leptin, Serum:

Leptin, Serum Test  $88.49	Add To Cart