Leptin
A hormone produced by fat cells that signals satiety to the brain. Leptin levels indicate energy reserves, helping regulate appetite and metabolism.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 2 chapters:
"The trigger is photoperiod - decreasing daylight signals winter's approach (Paul et al., 2008). The bear's metabolism shifts. Leptin and insulin resistance increase, preventing satiation. She can eat continuously without feeling full."
"...ng morning hours - everyone assumes she's less capable when really she's time-shifted - Health deterioration: 23% higher obesity rates (disrupted leptin/ghrelin hormones), 25% higher depression rates (chronic sleep deprivation), 30% higher cardiovascular disease (cortisol dysregulation), lower GPAs in..."
Biological Context
Leptin discovery explained how bodies sense fat stores. High fat produces high leptin, which should reduce appetite—but obesity often involves leptin resistance.
Business Application
Organizational leptin: signals indicating resource reserves. Cash balances and talent pools send 'leptin signals' that should moderate resource consumption. Leptin resistance—ignoring reserve signals—leads to organizational problems.