The Five Rules for Mastering Leptin, the Hunger Hormone

6 June 2016  |  Editor

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The Five Rules for Mastering Leptin, the Hunger Hormone

In their book "Mastering Leptin" - The Leptin Diet: Solving Obesity and Preventing Disease", Byron and Mary Richards say the following:

"Somewhat quietly, at the end of the twentieth century, a hormone called leptin was discovered. The immense importance of this hormone was not immediately recognized. In fact, all that it does is not yet fully understood.

"One thing is very clear, mastering leptin transforms the subjects of weight management and disease prevention to an astounding new level, opening the door for solving many major health issues . . ."

They continue:

"Leptin is the hormone secreted by fat cells contained in white adipose (fat) tissue. It is the most significant hormone there is in understanding the function of the human body.

"Leptin is essential for survival. It has a regulating effect on other hormones, not in a passive way but as a prime controlling signal. Leptin tells thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, pancreatic hormones, and sex hormones how to perform. Leptin can function without any help from those other hormones, but the other hormones cannot function properly without leptin.

"The significance of this new information reveals that leptin is the single most important hormone known to man. Interestingly, it was not discovered until 1994, and it has not been written about in its comprehensive role for broad public knowledge."

They further state:

"Leptin is responsible for bizarre and erratic behaviour and cravings related to food, including the inability to attain and maintain a healthy body weight. Leptin is essential for survival; without it, the human race would have perished from starvation long ago. However, in the land of food on every corner, it is also the hormone that fuels addictive and compulsive behaviour. It is the reason why individuals will 'start their diet tomorrow'."

The evidence is clear - control leptin, and you control your weight and improve general health.
Most people's leptin levels are out of control, causing them to overeat and to store fat rather than burn it. 

Byron and Mary Richards have made an in-depth study of all the leptin research (approximately 9000 studies thus far), and this combined with experience with clients, they have developed the Five Rules.

The aim of these Rules is to restore the body's sensitivity to leptin, which will re-establish the body's ability to efficiently produce energy from food, and will lead to weight loss.
These Five Rules are not a 'weight loss diet' - they're Rules to live by. Happily, compared to virtually every 'weight loss diet' on the market, once you're in the swing, it's probably the simplest and easiest way to go so far.

The Five Rules

Rule 1:  
Never Eat After Dinner. Allow 11-12 hours between dinner and breakfast. Never go to bed on a full stomach. Finish eating dinner at least three hours before bed. This rule is explained in chapter 15 of the book.

Rule 2:  
Eat 3 Meals a Day. Allow 5-6 hours between meals. Do Not Snack. This Rule is explained in chapter 17 of the book.

Rule 3:  
Do Not Eat Large Meals. If overweight, always try to finish a meal when slightly less than full; the full signal will usually catch up in 10-20 minutes. Eating slowly is important. This rule is explained in chapter 18 of the book.

Rule 4:  
Eat a high-protein breakfast. This rule is explained in chapter 19.

Rule 5:  
Reduce the amount of carbohydrates eaten. This rule is explained in chapter 20.

The Author, Byron Richards, states that "Some individuals do not have the physical ability to follow the Five Rules. This does not mean the rules are wrong; it simply means the individual needs to get in better shape. . . . There are ways to vary the Five Rules and still maintain healthy metabolism. Elite athletes may need to eat more often simply to get the number of calories they need. Diabetics have nonfunctioning "hormone switches" and end up using food to compensate for a "broken metabolism". There are a variety of special circumstances that require tailoring the Five Rules. . . . Individuals need to understand why a rule is a rule so they can think intelligently with the information and apply it to their life."

It's particularly important that people with diabetes understand the information contained in the book, and work in conjunction with their primary diabetes advisor.

There is science and good sense behind each rule. 

To purchase the book: "The leptin Diet: How Fit is Your Fat", see below: