Ghrelin is the hormone which plays an important role in obesity. Researchers have found out that increased Ghrelin levels can increase the appetite and slow down the metabolism. Hence, a person having increased Ghrelin levels would feel more hungry and would burn fat slowly. This can predispose him/her towards obesity.
Leptin is another hormone which can influence the obesity problem. Researchers have found out that increased Leptin levels in the blood can suppress the appetite and accelerate the fat burning process. Hence, while increased Ghrelin levels are harmful, increased Leptin levels are effective in overcoming obesity.
Sleep and Obesity:
Sleep deprivation can result in obesity. How is this possible? Research shows that lack of sleep can increase the levels of Ghrelin and decrease the Leptin levels in the body. As mentioned earlier, increased Ghrelin levels and lower Leptin levels can increase the appetite and slow down your fat burning process. This can put you at a risk of obesity. Hence, make sure you have a good night’s sleep on a daily basis.
In addition to sleep, gastric bypass surgery was also found to have an effect on the Ghrelin levels. Studies showed that gastric bypass surgery helped in lowering the Ghrelin levels, which can, in turn, help individuals to overcome obesity.
Research is going on to develop a drug which can help to block the action of Ghrelin. Drugs which can block the action of Ghrelin can help in weight loss. Similarly, Ghrelin stimulating drugs can be helpful to stimulate appetite in people who are weakened from the effect of disease.
How Ghrelin is Related with Stress-Induced Depression and Insomnia in Obese People ?
The hormone Ghrelin causes hunger and its level in the obese people is generally less. Researchers wanted to better understand the role of this hormone in the obese people. They carried out tests in experimental mice by subjecting them to stress experienced by the humans. At the end of the study, it was found that mice which experienced prolonged depression due to stress ate less and had greater tendency to avoid social exposure. The results of these findings were published in the online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience on June 15, 2008.
There is a close link between obesity, depression and insomnia. Research study has found that there exists an inverse relation between hours of sleep and presence of Ghrelin in the blood. As we get good sleep, Ghrelin levels decrease. We have reduced appetite and can get rid of eating disorders and obesity.
