How does sleep influence obesity risk?

How does sleep influence obesity risk?

• A. Short sleep increases hunger signaling (ghrelin) and reduces satiety signals (leptin), promoting weight gain
• B. Sleep has no effect on obesity
• C. Longer sleep increases appetite
• D. Sleep directly increases fat storage without appetite effects

Answer: (A)

Sleep duration influences obesity risk by altering appetite-regulating hormones. When sleep is shortened, ghrelin—the hormone that stimulates hunger—increases, while leptin—the signal of fullness—decreases. This shift promotes greater appetite, especially for energy-dense foods, and often leads to higher overall caloric intake. Over time, that increased intake contributes to weight gain and higher obesity risk. Sleep also affects metabolism and stress hormones, with short sleep linked to reduced insulin sensitivity and higher cortisol, which can further promote adiposity. In contrast, adequate sleep helps stabilize these signals and supports better energy balance. There isn’t a mechanism where sleep directly increases fat storage independent of intake, and longer sleep generally supports weight management rather than increasing appetite.

Sleep duration influences obesity risk by altering appetite-regulating hormones. When sleep is shortened, ghrelin—the hormone that stimulates hunger—increases, while leptin—the signal of fullness—decreases. This shift promotes greater appetite, especially for energy-dense foods, and often leads to higher overall caloric intake. Over time, that increased intake contributes to weight gain and higher obesity risk. Sleep also affects metabolism and stress hormones, with short sleep linked to reduced insulin sensitivity and higher cortisol, which can further promote adiposity. In contrast, adequate sleep helps stabilize these signals and supports better energy balance. There isn’t a mechanism where sleep directly increases fat storage independent of intake, and longer sleep generally supports weight management rather than increasing appetite.