Which hormone is produced by adipose cells and helps stimulate satiety?

Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose (fat) cells that plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance and body weight by promoting satiety, or the feeling of fullness. When fat stores increase, leptin levels rise, signaling the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. This feedback mechanism helps the body maintain a healthy weight by informing the brain about the status of energy reserves.

In contrast, insulin, although it can influence appetite and energy storage, primarily regulates blood glucose levels. Ghrelin, often referred to as the hunger hormone, actually stimulates appetite, leading to increased food intake, rather than promoting satiety. Glucagon is involved in raising blood glucose levels when they drop and does not directly impact feelings of hunger or fullness like leptin does. Thus, among these options, leptin is the key hormone responsible for signaling satiety to the brain.