Leptin

This test measures Leptin levels in the blood. Leptin is a hormone produced primarily by fat cells. Leptin helps the body regulate hunger. When leptin levels are low, a person will feel hungry. When enough food has been produced, an increase in Leptin production will make a person feel full. Leptin deficiencies can cause obesity by causing a person to consume more food than they need. Leptin resistance, in which a person experiences hunger even when their leptin levels are high, can also contribute to obesity.

Leptin testing may be ordered when a person is overweight or obese and experiencing persistent hunger to help determine if they have a disorder contributing to their weight gain. Leptin levels are generally higher in women and may increase during pregnancy especially in conjunction with disorders such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

Turn around time for this test is typically 4-8 business days.