A decrease in sensitivity to leptin is found to be a factor contributing to:
- AOption (a)
weight gain
- BOption (b)
weight loss
- COption (c)
maintaining homeostasis
- DOption (d)
loss of appetite
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Correct answer
weight gain
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 'weight gain'
Key Points
- Weight gain:
- Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which in turn helps to regulate body weight.
- A decrease in sensitivity to leptin, known as leptin resistance, means the body does not respond to leptin signals effectively.
- This can lead to increased food intake and decreased energy expenditure, resulting in weight gain.
Additional Information
- Weight loss:
- Weight loss would typically be associated with increased sensitivity to leptin, not a decrease. Increased leptin sensitivity would result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.
- Maintaining homeostasis:
- Maintaining homeostasis involves a balance of various physiological processes. While leptin plays a role in energy homeostasis, a decrease in sensitivity to leptin disrupts this balance rather than maintaining it.
- Loss of appetite:
- Loss of appetite would occur with increased leptin sensitivity, as leptin signals the brain to reduce hunger. A decrease in leptin sensitivity would have the opposite effect, potentially increasing appetite.