Italian version

The link between adipose tissue functions and depression is becoming increasingly more evident. The hormone leptin acts as an anti-depressant, (our readers are already familiar with leptin and its actions because they have been discussed in the GIFT diet for some time) while many experts in the area are still struggling to understand its function. It has just recently been discovered that this neuro-hormone exerts an action that completely resembles that of an anti-depressant. The difference is that it causes weight loss instead of weight gain.

Adipochines are substances that are produced by the adipose tissue and are involved in the activation of the metabolism and neurochemistry of mood states. Today they are considered to be one of the most well-known factors of mood regulation.

Leptin, which is deeply linked to insulin action, is one of these. On a scientific level it is consolidating its role as a potent natural anti-depressant.

However, in order to activate it, there's no need to go to the pharmacy: just eat, consume an abundant breakfast and activate your metabolism. In this way the body realizes that it contains an energy reserve and prepares itself for the consumption of energy and  the activation of a true creative force. What's more, the presence of leptin not only amply regulates the entire metabolism of the thyroid hormones and sexual hormones in general, it also regulates energy expenditure which in turn leads to weight loss.

This is exactly the opposite effect of anti-depressant medicines which, in most cases, cause weight gain. These drugs interact poorly with hunger mechanisms and increase insulin resistance. Therefore, leptin aids in weight loss.

Last week the Texan pharmacologist, Lu Xy published an extremely important article on leptinic function (Xy L., Curr Opini Pharmacol 2007 Nov 19 [Epub ahead of print]) which went so far as to formulate the leptinic hypothesis on depression.

In one way or another, the link between obesity and depression has been formulated and it's in total synthesis with what Eurosalus has been pointing out for some time. It's probable that the popular idea that fat people are also "jolly" is a lie. It could well be that this falsehood serves to cover up the mechanisms of food abuse deriving from altered mood states that are clearly linked- in our daily practice- to depression.

Italian version