Rather than controlling daily hunger and satiety, this metabolic hormone is produced by fat cells and is dedicated to maintaining a stable weight over the long term. When you diet or significantly reduce your caloric intake, leptin sends a signal to the hypothalamus to trigger feelings of extreme hunger in an effort to increase your food consumption. An emerging area of study is also examining the part leptin plays in skin health, including its possible applications in anti-aging efforts and its role in certain diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo.