Leptin Test

Leptin is a hormone produced primarily by your fat cells that plays a central role in regulating appetite, energy balance, and body weight. It signals to the brain how much energy is stored in the body, helping to control hunger and metabolism. This test measures the level of leptin in a simple blood sample, providing valuable insight into how your body manages energy and fat storage.

The Leptin Test is suitable for adults and children investigating obesity, unexplained weight changes, or suspected leptin resistance. It can also help assess conditions such as hypothalamic amenorrhoea, where low leptin levels may disrupt reproductive function, and it is used in the evaluation of rare genetic disorders affecting leptin production or signalling.

Biomarkers

Hormones
- Leptin

Why it matters

Leptin is more than a simple appetite hormone: it is a key communicator in the body's energy regulation system. Abnormal leptin levels can indicate leptin resistance, a common feature of obesity, or leptin deficiency, which may be genetic or related to low body fat. Understanding your leptin level can help your doctor identify underlying causes of weight issues, guide treatment strategies, and assess your risk of metabolic complications. It also provides a window into how well your body's hunger and satiety signals are functioning, supporting more personalised and effective care.

Hormones
- Leptin

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.