Leptin and food intake in overweight woman

This study aimed to explore the relationship between leptin and food intake triggered by negative emotions in overweight women. Two groups were studied: normal weight woman (n = 21) and overweight woman (n = 23). Both groups were exposed to videos to stimulate negative and neutral emotions followed by application of Subjetive Analog Scale. Plasma leptin levels were evaluated before and after exposure to the videos. Subsequently, a brunch containing sweet and salty foods was offered to simulate a high food availability environment. Results show that when exposed to negative emotions there was an increase in food intake (normal weight: p=.010 / overweight: p=.005). There was no change in plasma leptin levels in normal weight women (p=.47). However, in overweight women, there was a reduction in plasma leptin levels (p=.031). Negative emotions promoted an increase in energy intake in both groups and a decrease in plasma leptin levels in overweight women. The results suggest that compared to normal weight women, overweight women overexposed to negative emotions appear to be more vulnerable to overeating due to reduced plasma leptin levels.