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Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Regulation of appetite: role of leptin in signalling systems for drive and satiety
J E Blundell1, S Goodson, J C Halford
1PsychoBiology Group, School of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. j.e.blundell@psychology.leeds.ac.uk
Background:
The healthy regulation of appetite involves a balance between excitatory (drive) and inhibitory (satiety) processes. For many years research has concentrated on the identification of signalling systems that mediate satiety to the relative exclusion of drive-inducing biological events. However, the so-called long-term regulation of body weight has recently been given substance by the identification of a chemical signal believed to link the brain with adipose tissue stores.
Analysis:
This signal, leptin, is in position to modulate the expression of a drive to eat. Studies on the relationship between leptin and perceived hunger, and on the eating behaviour of leptin-deficient individuals, are consistent with the intervention of leptin in a drive system. The contrast between the roles of leptin and serotonin in appetite regulation reflects the difference between drive-signalling and satiety signalling processes.
Conclusion:
It is proposed that leptin modulates the drive signals arising from the metabolic demand for energy but also shows some properties of a post-prandial satiety signal.
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