Clinical endocrinology
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Clinical endocrinology · Apr 2012
Leptin levels are associated with decreased depressive symptoms in women across the weight spectrum, independent of body fat.
Leptin is anorexigenic, and levels are markedly decreased in women with low body weight and high in women with obesity. Ghrelin opposes leptin effects on appetite and is negatively associated with body mass index. These appetite-regulating hormones may have opposing effects on mood and stress pathways. Women with anorexia nervosa (AN), hypothalamic amenorrhoea (HA) and obesity are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. It is unknown whether dysregulation of leptin or ghrelin contributes to the development of depression and/or anxiety in these disorders. We investigated the relationship between leptin and ghrelin levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety and perceived stress in women across the weight spectrum. ⋯ Leptin may mediate depressive symptoms across the weight spectrum. Further investigation of the role of leptin in modulating mood will be important.