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Leptin Resistance, Appetite and Weight Gain
Struggling to lose weight? It may be leptin resistance, not willpower. A naturopathic doctor explains the signs and how to support this hunger hormone.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.
Can't lose weight? Your appetite suppressing hormone LEPTIN might be to blame, NOT your willpower.
Leptin is produced from our fat cells and is our body's appetite suppressing hormone or 'satiety hormone'. It is supposed to help us maintain healthy levels of fat, prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.
After eating, your body's fat cells release Leptin. Leptin sends a signal to your brain to tell it you're full and to STOP eating.
Therefore, you'd expect people who are overweight or have trouble losing weight to have low levels of leptin, causing them to overeat, however that is not the case.
We find in people who have difficulty losing weight, they have HIGH leptin levels.
When Leptin blood levels are consistently HIGH due to snacking, overeating or excess fat cells the brain can become RESISTANT to the 'I'm Full' signal leading to a vicious cycle of OVEREATING and WEIGHT GAIN.
Signs of Leptin Resistance:
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Going for seconds, a treat or snack right after finishing a meal
- Constantly feeling hungry or never feeling satisfied
- Overeating when you should feel full (ie after meals)
- Delayed sense of fullness (minutes to hours after a meal)
THE GOOD NEWS: We can support this!
Leptin Resistance can be supported naturally through a specific diet and treatment plan.
Always check in with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider before starting any treatments or making changes to your healthcare plan.
About the author
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.
