ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which hormone acts on the hypothalamus via a negative feedback loop to regulate energy intake?

1. Insulin

2. Leptin

3. Cholecystokinin

4. Ghrelin

The correct answer is: Leptin

Leptin is a hormone primarily produced by adipose (fat) tissue, and it plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance and appetite. When fat stores in the body increase, leptin levels rise and act on the hypothalamus to inhibit hunger and increase energy expenditure. This mechanism is part of a negative feedback loop, where high levels of leptin signal to the brain that the body has sufficient energy reserves, thereby reducing the desire to eat and promoting energy usage. This regulatory pathway is essential for maintaining body weight and energy homeostasis. As body fat decreases, leptin levels drop, which can stimulate appetite and reduce energy expenditure, prompting the body to seek food and conserve energy. Understanding this feedback loop is important for health coaches working with clients on weight management and overall health, as it highlights the complex interplay between hormones and energy regulation in the body.