Obesity, a major global health concern, poses significant challenges to human well-being. Amidst various therapeutic approaches, melatonin, primarily known for its antioxidant properties, has emerged as a subject of interest. While there have been some claims that melatonin makes you gain weight, this naturally-produced hormone actually plays a crucial role in diverse physiological processes – including the regulation of energy metabolism.
A Bag of Mixed Results?
Research has increasingly focused on melatonin’s influence on glucose and lipid metabolism, shedding light on its potential in managing obesity. However, the evidence from preclinical and clinical studies presents a mixed picture, leaving the anti-obesity effects of melatonin open to further investigation.
One review sought to consolidate current understanding of melatonin’s role in addressing obesity-related issues. It delved into how melatonin impacts lipid profiles, adipose tissue function, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Additionally, the review explored melatonin’s interaction with various bodily systems and processes, such as the circadian rhythm, gut microbiota, sleep disorders, the α7nAChR and opioidergic systems, and exosomes.
In the end, the review found a positive correlation between melatonin and weight loss.
Melatonin has shown promising effects in managing lipid levels, insulin resistance, and obesity, particularly in mothers. This could be attributed to its influence on various bodily functions, including fat regulation, body clock rhythms, gut health, sleep patterns, oxidative stress, inflammation, and interactions with opioid systems.
These actions are interconnected, suggesting a complex role for melatonin in these processes.
Despite this, the evidence from preclinical studies on melatonin’s effectiveness in weight loss is mixed, and clinical data remains limited, leading to ongoing debates about its role in treating metabolic disorders.
Obese Rats and Melatonin
The review likely includes this 2010 study in referencing the various studies done on melatonin. The study found that melatonin can be quite helpful in controlling weight and increasing “good” cholesterol while decreasing “bad” cholesterol.
After analyzing the effects melatonin had on obese, diabetic rats, the researchers found that melatonin was able to help prevent “heart diseases associated to obesity and dyslipidemia.” Without a change in diet, rats who were given melatonin had a reduction in body weight, decreased blood pressure and an improved lipid profile.
With these findings, they are confident that melatonin may help control obesity and improve blood lipid rations in humans while reducing the overall risk of heart disease.
Melatonin Production
Produced in the pineal gland within the brain and responsible for the sleep and wake cycles in the body, melatonin is known as the sleep hormone. This hormone is necessary to promote deep sleep, which our body needs for repair and maintenance.
The production of melatonin is controlled is controlled by our bodies, naturally rising in the evening, remaining high most of the night, and then dropping by morning.
Many factors come into play for the rate and amount of melatonin production; the amount of light, age, and even seasons can make a difference in how much melatonin is produced.
During winter, for example, your body may produce melatonin later or earlier during the day. In addition to the lack of vitamin D, this alteration in melatonin production is thought to bring about the “winter blues.” In addition, melatonin production decreases with age.
While the body produces melatonin on its own, there are a few foods that contain melatonin as well. Goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, cardamom, and cherries all contain some melatonin, while small amount can be found in grains, meats, fruit, and vegetables.
The most reliable source of melatonin, however, is from a high-quality supplement. When taken 30 minutes before bedtime, melatonin can help promote deep sleep, and, according to the above research, help to prevent obesity and heart disease.
However, taking melatonin frequently could hinder your body’s own natural ability to produce the hormone on its own.
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