British scientists discovered that the hormone Leptin, made by fat cells, is responsible for reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness hunger, it also controls the fondness for food.The findings could lead to new insights into obesity and how to treat the condition.
They studied two teenagers with a rare genetic disorder that do not produce any leptin. They eat excessively and are severely obese. However, when they were treated with leptin, they became more choosey about food, ate less and lost weight.
Their brain activities in response to different food and non-food pictures were recorded using fMRI. The scientists found that the pictures stimulated activity in the area called striatal regions that are associated with pleasant emotions and desires. When the patients were treated with leptin, responses to food pictures in these area were reduced and were activated mostly by foods the patients liked and only when they were hungry.
The researchers said that the findings should "encourage a more sympathetic attitude to people with weight problems" and "will be a key step in the prevention and treatment of obesity". Some experts said such a small study cannot provide conclusive evidence. Read the press release.
The article "Leptin regulates striatal regions and human eating behaviour" is published online in the journal Science, 9 August 2007 (subscription required)
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