HormonesMelatonin

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.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score47/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Connecting the dots between sleep deprivation and obesity: the role of melatonin in appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity from a mechanistic review perspective.

observational

Zolubaite M, Mekouar ZM, Barrow M · Physiology & behavior (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: at least 4 weeks
Intervention: Melatonin supplementation (≤5 mg/day) for at least four weeks
Outcome: Body weight reduction, insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Humans (general population, including those with sleep deprivation or obesity)

Result:

PubMed: 42637185DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2026.115484

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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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 content is 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.