What is the role of leptin in the body?

Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance in the body by inhibiting hunger. It is a hormone produced primarily by adipose (fat) tissue and communicates with the hypothalamus in the brain to signal satiety or fullness. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, which helps to suppress appetite and encourage the body to utilize energy reserves rather than seek additional food. This regulation helps maintain body weight and energy homeostasis by balancing energy intake and expenditure.

The correct answer underscores the importance of leptin in signaling to the body that it has sufficient energy stored, which allows for the coordination of appetite and metabolism in a healthy manner.