What is the effect of aging on leptin, the hormone responsible for appetite regulation?

Aging influences the body's hormonal balance, and leptin, the hormone primarily involved in regulating appetite and energy balance, experienced notable changes as one ages. Increased resistance to leptin is particularly significant as it suggests that while the body may produce adequate or even increased levels of the hormone, the brain does not respond effectively to it, impairing appetite regulation.

Leptin is produced by adipose (fat) tissue and acts on the hypothalamus to signal satiety, thus helping to control food intake and energy expenditure. In older adults, there often is an increase in body fat, which could suggest higher levels of leptin. However, due to the body's altered response mechanisms with age, this is coupled with leptin resistance. The hypothalamus becomes less sensitive to leptin signals, resulting in difficulty managing appetite and potentially contributing to weight gain or obesity in older individuals.

The concept of leptin resistance is critical in understanding the metabolic challenges faced by older adults, as it highlights the complexity of hunger and satiety regulatory mechanisms that can be disrupted by aging. In contrast, options relating to decreased activity, increased circulating levels with cerebrospinal fluid context, or reduced sensitivity do not fully capture the physiological response observed in the aging population concerning appetite regulation