Leptin - Is It a Healthy Way To Lose Weight Safely?

Leptin? You may wonder what it is. Leptin is a hormone secreted from fat cells that helps to regulate body weight. The name Leptin is derived from the Greek word, Leptos, which means "thin." It is sometimes known as the "Fat Controller." - Your Hormones.info/hormones/leptin, March 2018.

A study, published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that increasing levels of the hormone known as Leptin in rats led to significant weight loss in the animals. - WebMD, Leptin Turns Fat Cells into Fat-Burning cells. February 9, 2004

When Leptin builds up in the human body, it is said to curve the desire for food and therefore, this is the reason Leptin is referred to as the satiety hormone or starvation hormone. Scientists claim that Leptin primarily targets the hypothalamus, which in turn, helps humans to believe their stomach is full because hunger pangs are turned off. - Healthline, December, 2018

The way this works is when there are adequate levels of Leptin in the body, the hormone is supposed to send a signal to your brain informing the brain there is enough fat stored, and your body does not need any food to burn fat for energy. -Healthline, Leptin and Leptin Resistance: Everything You Need To Know 2019.

Leptin communicates to the brain that fat is on the body so hunger subsides. Individuals whose bodies do not produce leptin are at risk for obesity since the brain thinks there is no fat on the body this causes the individual to have the desire to eat more. - Heathfully.com,
Foods That Contain Leptin 2017.

My journey began in January 2018 when I decided to take a path leading to a healthier me. I had no clue, so the question was how to do it. I have never been someone who felt comfortable taking diet pills, so I knew that route was not for me. Starving myself to lose weight seemed ludicrous with greater potential of negative things happening. I was told I was borderline Type 2 diabetic, and I knew I had to make a change.

After a suggestion from my doctor, I researched the internet and found information on Leptin and wondered if it could be my solution. I did not know what the outcome would be because I did not know if my Leptin was at high levels or low, but after careful consideration, I had made up my mind.

I decided taking bread and pasta out of my diet was a good idea. I love my pasta, but with high blood pressure and diagnosed borderline diabetic, I was happy to put them in my library of past eaten foods. Every meal I cooked had chicken or fish, and occasionally, I would make steak. My meals always contained meat, a vegetable, and rice. I rarely ate mashed potatoes because of the starch content. I know that sounds crazy because rice has starch also, but researching convinced me rice was the healthier choice.

I decided since I was very determined to be successful, I would also stop drinking soda. This was probably the hardest part of this journey. I gave up soda and only drank water. I drank nothing but water for 4 months, but I felt so much better. My body did not swell, especially my face. I did not feel the agonizing effects of the Fibromyalgia I live with on a daily basis. I felt so good that within 2 weeks of this style of living, I began to walk daily. I started slow and realized quickly how out of shape I truly was. I believe it took me about a month, but I was able to train my body to walk every day for 40 minutes, and according to my exercise app on my phone, I was walking a mile every day. I did not push myself and when I found myself at the same weight for a few weeks, I did not feel bad or guilty, I just kept walking.

I faithfully followed this regimen for four 1/2 months. It became a way of life. I did not have food cravings like before and I slept so much better at night. Maybe I lowered the Leptin in my body, or the Leptin prevented hunger cravings. More important than anything, I slept through each night without constantly waking up and getting out of bed. I was more refreshed in the morning. For every one positive result, more positive results followed. Handling everyday stress by walking helped me to sleep. Sleeping well each night made me a happier person. Getting the right amount of sleep helped with the aches and pains of my Fibromyalgia. The best of all, I lost 53 pounds in 4 1/2 months by this change in lifestyle.

The success I experienced for that short time made me realize so many things are possible, even if it does not come at the very moment you want it. Dedicating myself to change, and following through worked for me. The longer I made changes, the easier and more routine it became. The end result made it all worthwhile by lowering my A1C level.

Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. The Mayo Clinic notes that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising can lead to a better physique. - The Mayo Clinic, "Nutrition And Healthy Eating", 2019