Order Leptin Blood Test from JustLabs for $24 ($42 all-in for a single-test order: $24 + one $18 lab & physician order fee per order). Price includes lab processing at Quest Diagnostics. No insurance required.
Leptin is the "satiety hormone" produced by fat cells that signals fullness to the brain. Testing helps identify leptin resistance, a condition linked to obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Leptin is a hormone produced primarily by adipose (fat) tissue. Its main function is to signal to your brain that you have enough energy stored and don't need to eat more—essentially turning off hunger. The more fat tissue you have, the more leptin you produce.
Paradoxically, most obese individuals have high leptin levels, not low. This is because they develop "leptin resistance"—the brain stops responding to leptin's signals despite high levels. This creates a vicious cycle: the brain thinks it's starving even when fat stores are abundant, driving continued overeating and reduced metabolism.
Testing leptin levels can help identify leptin resistance and provide insights into metabolic dysfunction that standard tests may miss.
Price
$24
All-in
$42
incl. $18 lab & physician fee
Results
3-5 business days
Fasting
8+ hrs
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of leptin hormone in your blood, reported in ng/mL. Levels correlate strongly with body fat percentage and are typically higher in women than men.
Who Should Consider This Test
People struggling with weight loss despite diet and exercise, those investigating persistent hunger or overeating, individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome, anyone interested in metabolic health optimization, and people with unexplained weight gain.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
8-hour fast required. Test in the morning for most consistent results. Leptin levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and can be affected by recent meals.
Fasting Required
This test requires fasting for accurate results. Please follow these instructions:
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before your blood draw.
- Water is allowed and encouraged - stay hydrated!
- Schedule your lab visit in the morning for convenience.
- Continue taking any prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Understanding Your Results
Normal ranges vary by sex and body composition. Men: 0.5-12 ng/mL, Women: 3.7-11.1 ng/mL. Elevated levels in obese individuals suggest leptin resistance. Very low levels are rare but may indicate leptin deficiency.
What to Expect
After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 3-5 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
How much does the Leptin test cost?
The Leptin test costs $24 at JustLabs — $42 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.
| Option | Price | Order all-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leptin at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics | $24 | $42 | Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order |
Paying with an HSA or FSA? See which lab tests qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospital cash price: $150–$250
$24
+ $18 order fee · $42 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.
- Results in 3-5 business days
- Fasting required (8 hours)
- Physician order included
No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician-ordered
- CLIA-certified Quest lab
- Drawn at Quest Diagnostics
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