ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which hormone levels are directly proportional to adipose tissue mass in obese individuals?

1. Insulin

2. Leptin

3. Ghrelin

4. Cholecystokinin

The correct answer is: Leptin

Leptin is a hormone produced primarily by adipose tissue and plays a critical role in regulating energy balance and body weight. In individuals with obesity, adipose tissue mass is often significantly increased, leading to elevated levels of leptin in the bloodstream. This increase in leptin levels typically functions to suppress appetite and promote energy expenditure. However, in many cases of obesity, there can be a phenomenon known as leptin resistance, where despite high levels of leptin, the body does not respond properly to its signals, leading to continued overeating and weight gain. Understanding the relationship between leptin and adipose tissue is crucial for recognizing how body fat affects hormone levels and overall metabolism, which is particularly relevant in managing obesity and its associated health risks. The other hormones mentioned—insulin, ghrelin, and cholecystokinin—play roles in appetite regulation and metabolism, but their levels are not as directly proportional to adipose tissue mass as leptin's are.