NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

In 1994, long after Simeons' death, leptin was discovered. Leptin is also a protein hormone involved in fat accumulation and fat burning. And, like hCG, it communicates with the hypothalamus. The appearance of leptin on the scene triggered yet another frenzy in the Big Pharma community. Drug companies began frantic searches for a means of turning leptin into a drug analogue which they could sell as the latest breakthrough drug for weightloss.

All attempts failed. Why? Because leptin has a lot in common with insulin. An overweight body is already producing masses of leptin. This creates leptin resistance in the cells of the hypothalamus and elsewhere, very much in the same way that a high carb/high sugar diet creates insulin resistance resulting in metabolic syndrome or Syndrome X. Putting more leptin into an overweight body only increases a person's hunger and food cravings, inducing yet more weight gain. In the end, this discovery of leptin – considered by many to be the most important finding in regard to fat metabolism in the twentieth century – has left doctors and drug companies still at a loss as to what to do with it.

A recent discovery in regard to leptin may have relevance to our understanding of the way Cura Romana works its wonders. In the August 2007 issue of The Journal of Endocrinology, a paper appeared which states: "hCG significantly stimulates the secretion of the pro-adipogenic factor, leptin, from human adipose tissue." Nobody is able to figure out exactly the way these two protein hormones interact. However it looks likely that leptin and hCG – together with insulin – work to determine the way the body both stores and burns fat. Animal studies have shown clearly not only that leptin and hCG influence each other but that the effect that leptin exerts on insulin also creates an indirect response between insulin and hCG.

The important thing for you to remember is what these three protein-based hormones have in common: Excessive amounts of leptin and insulin leads to resistance so your body cannot make good use of either. Instead of your receiving benefits from them, they will undermine your health. Insulin resistance leads to metabolic syndrome, also called Syndrome X, obesity and diabetes. Leptin resistance leads to the storing of inessential fats. Cura Romana appears to restore both insulin and leptin sensitivity, which is likely to be one of the reasons it is so successful for weightloss.