The invention relates to the use of leptin in the preparation of an ingestible composition for children from nursing infants to adolescents, comprising leptin at a concentration greater than 50 ng/kg for the prevention of excess weight and/or the complications associated therewith. The invention comprises the use of a fully or partially hydrolyzed recombinant leptin. Said ingestible composition is a supplement for developmental nutrition, contains between 0.1 and 30 micrograms/liter leptin, provides a daily dose of leptin of more than 25 ng and can take the form o a solid, i.e, a tablet, capsule or reconstitutable powder, or a liquid, i.e., a syrup or drink.
