Set point theory is based on the premise that every human being has a built-in system that controls precisely how much fat he or she should carry. Some people have a higher percentage of body fat than others, so weight management will vary by the individual.
Significance
According to New York Behavioral Health website, set point theory was developed by Joel Gurin and William Bennett in 1982 as an attempt to explain why dieting is usually unsuccessful over the long term. Gurin's and Bennet's book, The Dieter's Dilemma, explains how the human body is genetically programmed to maintain a specific ration of individual fat and body weight. The theory suggests that it is incredibly difficult to change your set point, although it is possible to make small reductions by maintaining a healthy diet and getting aerobic exercise.
Function
The ideal aim of a weight loss program is to provide a safe method of lowering the set point rather than merely resisting it. Although some theories exist on how to do this, so far no one is sure how to do this. Of the current theories, a promising one is that regular exercise seems to lower the set point.
Considerations
If the set point is pushed too low, according to the theory, it can result in fatigue and depression. This is the body's way of reducing the number of calories burned. When the set point reaches the optimal individual level, it creates a pleasant and optimistic mood, the theory says.
Expert Insight
According to Farrias et al., set point theory may be helpful in creating a deeper understanding of how bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, can establish a new set point index, thereby helping to maintain significant and sustainable weight loss. This in turn could provide new solutions and methods of prevention for obesity.
warning
The Center for Clinical Interventions warns that attempting to maintain a body weight that is below your natural weight leads to a constant battle with your set point. Eventually the desire for food will become overwhelming and you may end up in a binge eating-starvation cycle. If you are considering a weight loss plan, you should seek medical advice.
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