Leptin a potential link between obesity and depression
Lourdes Hontecilla-Prieto1,2, Daniel José García-Domínguez2,3, Carmen Berlanga-Gil2
1Clinical Biochemistry Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|October 25, 2025
Summary
Obesity and depression are linked, with the hormone leptin potentially playing a key role. Elevated leptin levels in depression may contribute to inflammation, increasing depression risk in obesity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic impacting diverse populations.
- Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder.
- The bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on the relationship between obesity, leptin, and depression.
- To analyze leptin's role in the shared pathophysiology of obesity and psychiatric disorders.
- To explore leptin's potential involvement in the neuroinflammatory state linked to depression.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of existing literature.
- Analysis of research on leptin's function in energy balance and appetite.
- Examination of studies investigating leptin's influence on mood and behavior.
Main Results:
- Leptin, a hormone from adipose tissue, is closely associated with obesity.
- Emerging evidence suggests leptin influences mood and behavior.
- Literature indicates increased leptin levels in depression, potentially mediating inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Leptin may play a pathophysiological role in depression associated with obesity.
- Chronic inflammation in obesity might be influenced by leptin, contributing to neuroinflammation.
- Further clinical research is necessary to elucidate leptin's mechanisms in obesity-related depression.
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