Which hormone is involved in increasing fat oxidation?

The hormone that plays a significant role in increasing fat oxidation is leptin. It is primarily produced by adipose (fat) tissue and helps regulate energy balance, particularly by inhibiting hunger and promoting energy expenditure. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, signaling the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure, leading to enhanced fat oxidation. This process is essential for maintaining body weight and metabolic health.

Understanding leptin's role in fat metabolism is crucial for managing conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Leptin not only influences appetite and energy expenditure but also has implications for regulation of glucose levels and inflammation, which can further impact overall health.

While insulin is associated with fat storage and lowering blood glucose levels, it does not promote fat oxidation. Neuropeptide Y is involved in stimulating appetite and reducing energy expenditure, and ghrelin primarily signals hunger, causing an increase in food intake and potentially discouraging fat oxidation. Thus, these hormones do not directly contribute to the increase of fat oxidation in the same beneficial manner as leptin does.