Most of leptin's effects occur through the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that integrates all basic drives and regulates food intake, energy expenditure and glucose and fat metabolism. With weight loss, the body's fat stores shrink and therefore produce less leptin. The hypothalamus responds by shifting several body systems into starvation mode. It results in urges to eat more and expend less energy, making it difficult to maintain the weight loss. Other changes, such as increased stress response and weakened reproductive and immune function, cause their own set of problems.

Source: Friedman Lab

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