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Leptin, ghrelin implicated as potential predictors of weight regain

Issue: December 2010

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Regaining weight after a diet may be linked to the levels of appetite hormones such as plasma leptin and ghrelin, according to new research.

“Treating obesity with drugs or dietary programs can be very effective in the short term, but the long-term success of maintaining the weight lost is usually poor,” Ana Crujeiras, PhD, of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago in Spain, said in a press release. “Our study sheds light on how the appetite hormones leptin and ghrelin affect weight regain after weight loss. This knowledge could be used as a tool to personalize weight-loss programs that could guarantee success in keeping off the weight.”

The effects of an 8-week low calorie diet (–30% energy expenditure) were observed after 32 weeks in a group of 104 overweight and obese volunteers (49 women; mean age: 35 years; mean BMI: 30.7 kg/m²). Body weight, plasma fasting ghrelin, leptin and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline during weeks 8 and 32.

Researchers reported that after the 8-week diet, the average weight loss was –5%. There were significant reductions in plasma leptin and insulin concentrations, but not in ghrelin levels at 32 weeks.

Higher leptin levels and lower ghrelin levels were associated with regaining more than 10% of the initial weight loss.

A decrease in ghrelin levels after the hypocaloric diet was associated with a higher risk for weight regain (OR=3.109; P=.008). Alternatively, a reduction in leptin (OR=0.141; P=.001) equated to greater weight-loss maintenance.

There appeared to be gender specific trends in the data, with ghrelin more significant to men and leptin more significant to women.

“We believe this research is of foremost relevance in clinical terms, as it may indicate that the outcome of weight therapy may be pre-conditioned,” Crujeiras said. “Furthermore, our findings may provide endocrinology and nutrition professionals a tool to identify individuals in need of specialized weight-loss programs that first target appetite hormone levels before beginning conventional dietary treatment.”

For more information:

• Crujeiras AB. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;doi:10.1210/jc.2009-2566.

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