Hormones · Melatonin

Melatonin doses ≤5 mg/day for at least four weeks reduce body weight in humans

This review found that sleep deprivation lowers melatonin levels, which impairs insulin sensitivity via IRS/PI3K/AKT and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways. Intervention studies using melatonin doses of ≤5 mg/day for at least four weeks showed potential for reducing body weight in humans, though findings on appetite-regulating neuropeptides were mixed.

1 min read•Updated Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•View structured evidence →
Evidence Score47/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Melatonin doses ≤5 mg/day for at least four weeks reduce body weight in humans The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 47/100 (low).

The Claim

Melatonin doses ≤5 mg/day for at least four weeks reduce body weight in humans

This conclusion is most relevant to: Humans (general population, including those with sleep deprivation or obesity).

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • ▸Connecting the dots between sleep deprivation and obesity: the role of melatonin in appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity from a mechanistic review perspective. (Physiology & behavior, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • ▸Sleep deprivation lowers melatonin levels
  • ▸Reduced melatonin impairs insulin sensitivity via IRS/PI3K/AKT and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways
  • ▸Melatonin influences appetite-regulating neuropeptides (POMC, AgRP, NPY) and leptin
  • ▸Result: Potential reduction in body weight with melatonin supplementation

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • ▸Humans (general population, including those with sleep deprivation or obesity)

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • ▸Findings on direction of effects on appetite-regulating neuropeptides are mixed
  • ▸Review-based evidence, not a primary RCT; further research needed to resolve conflicting results

Frequently Asked Questions

What dose of melatonin is suggested for weight loss?▼

Doses of ≤5 mg/day for at least four weeks showed potential for reducing body weight in humans.

How does sleep deprivation affect insulin sensitivity?▼

Sleep deprivation lowers melatonin levels, which impairs insulin sensitivity via disruptions in IRS/PI3K/AKT and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways.

Does melatonin affect appetite hormones?▼

Melatonin influences leptin and appetite-regulating neuropeptides such as POMC, AgRP, and NPY, but findings on the direction of these effects are mixed.

Is melatonin a proven treatment for obesity?▼

Melatonin may offer a promising adjunctive approach, but further research is needed to support evidence-based practice.

References

  1. 1.Zolubaite M, Mekouar ZM, Barrow M. “Connecting the dots between sleep deprivation and obesity: the role of melatonin in appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity from a mechanistic review perspective..” Physiology & behavior, 2026. PMID: 42637185 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2026.115484
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.