Leptin resistance is a medical condition that is primarily measured by the body’s response to the hormone leptin. Leptin is produced by fat cells and its primary role is to signal the brain that the body has enough energy stored to sustain itself, thus suppressing the appetite. People with leptin resistance don’t respond to the signals sent by leptin, which can lead to weight gain, increased appetite, and other health problems.
Blood Tests
The most common way to measure leptin resistance is through a blood test. A sample of a person’s blood will be taken and tested for levels of leptin. If the leptin levels are too high, it could be a sign of leptin resistance. High levels of leptin could also be a sign of obesity, diabetes, or other medical conditions.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is another way to measure leptin resistance. BMI is a calculation based on a person’s height and weight, and it’s used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight. A person with a BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, and a person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. People with higher BMI levels are more likely to have leptin resistance.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is another way to measure leptin resistance. A person’s waist circumference is measured by wrapping a measuring tape around the waist, just above the hip bone. People with a waist circumference of more than 35 inches are more likely to have leptin resistance.
Other Tests
There are other tests that can help to diagnose leptin resistance, such as a glucose tolerance test, a fasting insulin test, and a thyroid hormone test. These tests help to reveal how the body is responding to different hormones and can help to determine if a person has leptin resistance.