A handful of individuals have a rare genetic mutation that causes them to make no leptin at all.  These individuals become morbidly obese because they never get a proper full signal.  By comparison, 99.99% of overweight people make too much leptin; however, the leptin does not get into the brain properly (leptin resistance), so they sort of behave like the person who makes no leptin at all. 

A handful of individuals have a rare genetic mutation that causes them to make no leptin at all.  These individuals become morbidly obese because they never get a proper full signal.  By comparison, 99.99% of overweight people make too much leptin; however, the leptin does not get into the brain properly (leptin resistance), so they sort of behave like the person who makes no leptin at all. 

When researchers give leptin to the rare person who makes none, the person quits eating all the time, gets a proper full signal, and loses weight.  When researchers give leptin to the other 99.99% of individuals, it simply makes blood levels of leptin rise even higher and leptin resistance worsens.  Researchers are trying to make nasal sprays that enter the brain directly, which has some possibility of working.  However, it is far easier to simply eat in harmony with the hormone as explained by the Leptin Diet, which reduces leptin resistance allowing leptin to enter the brain in the natural way and provide a normal full signal.  Individuals are often amazed at how following the Five Rules of the Leptin Diet stops their obsession and craving for food.

Fascinating new research on the rare person who makes no leptin is showing that leptin has a profound influence on numerous regions in the brain.  It is already well known that leptin communicates directly to the hypothalamus gland, controlling the subconscious core of appetite and energy-producing brain circuitry.  What is new about this study is that leptin is shown to activate numerous other areas in the brain, including the cerebral cortex executive centers of the brain that are involved with rational self control. 

In fact, leptin actually caused the cerebral cortex to grow, literally strengthening the structure and function of this area of the brain.  This is a dramatic discovery.  It means that leptin resistant overweight children are at risk of poor brain development and leptin resistant adults are at risk of accelerated brain aging based in part on atrophy of the cerebral cortex.  The cerebral cortex is vital for many cognitive tasks in addition to issues of food acquisition and appetite control.  In fact, this problem cuts to the core of any addictive tendency in any subject relating to a lack of self control.

The researchers also found that the cerebellum was activated by leptin.  The cerebellum is involved with the coordination of physical motion.  A weak cerebellum contributes to problems such as anxiety and learning disabilities such as dyslexia. 

It is well known that leptin acts as a primary antioxidant in the brain, a main way in which the brain buffers the stress of excitotoxins.  Excitotoxins are a primary cause of brain stress and at the center of developmental brain issues and age-related decline.  A combination of leptin deficiency in the brain and excitotoxin excess is linked to ADHD, Down syndrome, and Autism spectrum disorders, as well as age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  Common dietary excitotoxins include MSG, food coloring, aspartame, and flavoring systems used by fast food restaurants and packaged food producers to addict consumers to their brand.  Immunizations prime brain cells to become hyper-responsive and thereby magnify excitotoxic stress.

While there is much we do not know this new research demonstrates that proper leptin levels within the brain are vital for intelligence and the ability to make and follow through on healthy choices in one’s life. 

what is leptin?  where does it come from?

According to my recent blood test I show no problems with Thyroid activity.  However when I took your written thyroid test, I was only at 40% properly working thyroid.  My diet is organic with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  I don’t eat a lot of animal protein.  My blood type is A-.  I am thin but have trouble loding weight around my middle.  I am pretty active, have a very stressful job, and am 53, petite.  Hwo does one know if there is Leptin resistance or if it is a thyroid problem? My doc says there is a blood test for Leptin.  I also just found out that I have mono.  I am taking herbs and oregano oil.

Does systemic enzyme therapy - use of high dosage mega powerful proteolytic enzymes (serrapeptase, protease) on empty stomach - interfere with leptin reception in the hypothalamus?  As leptin is bound to protein, which is generally resistant to the acid and proteolytic environment normally found in the stomach and digestive tract, is the leptin protein susceptible to digestion by much stronger proteolytic enzymes than those naturally found in humans?  If so, does the leptin in the digestive tract ever even make it to the hypothalamus?
Please see http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/290/2/G242 for my sources on this particular question.  Thank you!