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What Are the Most Common Leptin Side Effects?

Melanie Smeltzer
Melanie Smeltzer

Leptin is a protein hormone produced by body fat. This substance is thought to play an important role in how the body regulates energy expenditure and intake. It is believed by some that an abundance of this hormone can result in a noticeable amount of weight loss, and because of this, the market has been flooded with books, herbal remedies, and injections thought to help increase leptin in the body. Although this substance is naturally produced, some feel that too much of it can have adverse effects. Some of the most common leptin side effects include an increased heart rate, nausea, and dehydration.

Some feel that a deficiency in leptin can result in the dysfunction of several organs. Additionally, many believe that an excess of this hormone may also be detrimental to these organs; however, further research is necessary to prove this conclusively. Although no one really knows whether this hormone may be detrimental to certain parts of the body, it is still widely believed that too much leptin can cause a number of uncomfortable side effects.

The stimulating effects of leptin can sometimes cause insomnia.
The stimulating effects of leptin can sometimes cause insomnia.

Many of the most common leptin side effects are uncomfortable, but not necessarily a sign of something dangerous. These symptoms include an increased heart rate, insomnia, and dehydration. Heart-related symptoms are often the result of an increase in metabolism. Although this is not always a cause for concern, in obese patients, it may indicate cardiovascular abnormalities brought about by the excess of leptin. Dehydration is often caused by an increase of urination and perspiration, while insomnia is sometimes caused by the stimulating effects of leptin.

Leptin may cause an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Leptin may cause an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Although many leptin side effects are troublesome but not always dangerous, others may be more worrisome. For instance, in diabetic patients, this hormone may increase the severity and frequency of low blood sugar. Elevated leptin levels are also thought to aid in the development of certain cancers, such as breast or colon cancer.

Certain reproductive issues may also be linked to an increase of leptin in the body. One of the potential reproductive-related leptin side effects is the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate. Although this side effect is sometimes thought to be connected with this hormone, some studies indicate that it could possibly be the result of obesity instead. Other potential reproductive side effects include an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy and an early onset of puberty in children.

Discussion Comments

bear78

I read recently that high leptin levels have been linked with skin cancer. Leptin is also not effective for people with leptin resistance.

stoneMason

@donasmrs-- I'm using leptin and I haven't experienced any major side effects. I have a coffee product containing leptin that I drink instead of regular coffee. It's helping me with my weight management.

I only experienced heart palpitations once when I had two cups of the coffee in one day. If I only have one cup, I don't have any problems and that's what I'm doing. I'm also not sure if the heart palpitations were due to the leptin or the coffee. I personally think that in moderation, leptin is relatively safe. Like all things, it's not a good idea to overdo it.

donasmrs

I can't use any form of leptin because I have diabetes. But even if I didn't, I still wouldn't use leptin. Unless someone has a diagnosed leptin deficiency for some reason, I don't think it's safe to take this protein hormone. I actually feel the same way about all hormones and chemicals in our body.

Our body produces a certain amount of leptin for a reason. When the levels of leptin change in the body due to supplements, it's not just going to affect metabolism. All the processes and hormones in the body are connected. A change in one results in a change in another.

So we can't know for sure how the raised leptin levels will affect other hormones. And by the time we experience side effects, some damage may already be done.

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    • The stimulating effects of leptin can sometimes cause insomnia.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The stimulating effects of leptin can sometimes cause insomnia.
    • Leptin may cause an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy.
      By: JorgeAlejandro
      Leptin may cause an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy.
    • An increase of leptin in the body may lead to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
      By: peterjunaidy
      An increase of leptin in the body may lead to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
    • Elevated levels of leptin are thought to aid in the development of colon cancer.
      By: rob3000
      Elevated levels of leptin are thought to aid in the development of colon cancer.
    • Leptin side effects may include nausea.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      Leptin side effects may include nausea.
    • Leptin tells the brain that the body has consumed enough food.
      By: Naeblys
      Leptin tells the brain that the body has consumed enough food.
    • An abundance of leptin may result in weight loss.
      By: umpalumpas
      An abundance of leptin may result in weight loss.
    • A number of programs are available to help people increase their leptin levels, which may promote weight loss.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      A number of programs are available to help people increase their leptin levels, which may promote weight loss.
    • Leptin side effects may include an increased heart rate.
      By: decade3d
      Leptin side effects may include an increased heart rate.