Adipose cells produce a hormone called __________ that acts on the brain to reduce food intake.

• A. glucagon
• B. leptin
• C. ghrelin
• D. insulin

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of adipose cells in the body. Adipose cells, also known as fat cells, store energy in the form of fat and play a role in regulating energy balance by releasing hormones.
2. Step 2: Learn about the hormone leptin. Leptin is produced by adipose cells and acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to regulate appetite and energy balance by reducing food intake.
3. Step 3: Differentiate leptin from other hormones listed in the options. For example, glucagon is produced by the pancreas and raises blood glucose levels, ghrelin is produced by the stomach and stimulates appetite, and insulin is also produced by the pancreas and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Step 4: Recognize that leptin specifically reduces food intake, which matches the description in the problem. This is a key distinguishing feature of leptin compared to the other hormones listed.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is leptin based on its function and the information provided in the problem.