Plasma concentrations of leptin in a bulimic patient.

Recently, the obese gene in the ob/ob mouse was cloned, along with its human homologue. The gene product leptin is important in the regulation of body weight. Excessive food intake during a binge might affect leptin synthesis. Alternatively, fluctuations in leptin synthesis might induce binge eating. Therefore, plasma leptin levels of a patient with bulimia nervosa were determined over a period of 48 hr in a natural setting. Amount, type, time of food intake, and binging and purging episodes were concomitantly assessed. Although binging and purging episodes were quite frequent, leptin levels remained stable and were neither related to food intake nor to binge episodes.