Why was this study done?

Uncovering the mechanisms of hunger and energy balance are an important step in understanding why so many people have problems with weight control. It is clear that a large part of satiety control is hormonal in nature. This study was designed to understand the differing role of leptin and insulin (hormones) in men and women undergoing calorie restriction.

What did the study find?

The study noticed significant differences in leptin and insulin responses between men and women. It appears that leptin may be controlled (in part) by fat cells (adipocytes) and the changing metabolic landscape during energy restriction.

Changes of serum leptin and endocrine and metabolic parameters after 7 days of energy restriction in men and women.
Authors: Dubuc GR, Phinney SD, Stern JS, Havel PJ. Metabolism. 1998 Apr;47(4):429-34.
PubMed Citation PMID: 9550541.