Research
Hormonal
Leptin repletion following weight loss (maintenance phase) reverses metabolic adaptations (hypometabolism, hyperphagia) and aids in sustaining weight loss, but does not significantly lower the body weight set-point.
After losing weight, your body fights back with increased hunger and slower metabolism. Leptin therapy can help reverse these specific biological drivers during the maintenance phase, making it easier to keep the weight off, though it is not a weight-loss drug itself.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Leptin repletion is most effective following weight loss by dietary restriction. In this state of weight stability but reduced energy stores, leptin at least partially reverses many of the metabolic, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral adaptations that favor weight regain.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple studies (Rosenbaum et al 2005, Sienkiewicz, Brinkoetter) showing reversal of metabolic adaptations.
Source
20 YEARS OF LEPTIN: Role of leptin in energy homeostasis in humans
Michael Rosenbaum et al. · Journal of Endocrinology · 2014
DOI 10.1530/joe-14-0358
narrative_reviewCited 242×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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