Serum leptin, food intake and preferences for sugar and fat in obese women

To examine the association of leptin with food intake and preferences for sugar and fat in obese humans. Food intake and preferences for sugar and fat were measured in 35 obese women by a four-day food record and three hedonic tests, respectively. High fasting serum leptin concentration adjusted for body fat mass and dietary underreporting was associated with low dietary energy and fat intakes. In addition, trends towards lower preference for chocolate as well as for the taste of high-fat, low-sugar mixture were observed in those with higher leptin concentration. High serum leptin concentration could be associated in obese women with lower dietary energy and fat intakes, and possibly with the lower preference for fat. These findings need to be verified in further human studies.