In 1994, Zhang et al discovered the Ob gene and leptin1 hormone. This gave rise to the idea that obesity might have genetic factors and not simply involve a lack of self-control and overeating in the individual. The Ob gene regulates the amount of body fat stored in the body2. When the Ob gene signals, the hormone leptin is secreted by adipocytes1 and travels to the hypothalamus of the brain2. This signals the hypothalamus to induce a feeling of fullness2. In other words, the secretion of leptin causes a feeling of fullness in the stomach and suppresses the need to eat. Once this discovery was made, the idea of ​​treating obesity came into play. If a hormone with satiety-inducing effects can be used for treatment, then obesity could become a zero problem. Unfortunately, this is a problem that remains relevant today – 20 years after the discovery of leptin. Research on leptin treatment began in rats. A 1996 study by Chen et al showed beneficial results in rats treated with exogenous leptin3. Rats treated with leptin showed a decrease in food intake and saw no weight gain compared to other saline-treated groups. This study essentially confirmed the effects of leptin – increased satiety leading to reduced food intake. In this case, there was no weight gain unlike the other groups who experienced significant weight gain. Leptin can therefore prevent weight gain. Leptin can therefore prevent weight gain in rats. While this is great, the real beneficial impact of leptin will come if it can have the same effect in humans. Research has shown that exogenous leptin treatment can promote weight loss in both lean and obese individuals4. Obese subjects were prescribed a low-calorie diet to supplement...... middle of paper ...... and metabolism). Traffic. 2003;107(10):1448-53.7. Farooqi IS, O'rahilly S. Leptin: an essential regulator of human energy homeostasis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(3):980S-984S.8. Brennan AM, Mantzoros CS. Drug Insight: the role of leptin in human physiology and pathophysiology - emerging clinical applications. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2006;2(6):318-27.9. Münzberg H, Myers MG. Molecular and anatomical determinants of central leptin resistance. Nat Neurosci. 2005;8(5):566-70.10. Enriori PJ, Evans AE, Sinnayah P, Cowley MA. Leptin resistance and obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006;14 Supplement 5(S8):254S-258S.11. Kotidis EV, Koliakos GG, Baltzopoulos VG, Ioannidis KN, Yovos JG, Papavramidis ST. Serum ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin levels before and after weight loss: comparison of three treatment methods - a prospective study. Obes Surg. 2006;16(11):1425-32.