You have worked hard to lose some weight, and then the pounds creep back on. Why is it so hard to keep the weight off?

Actually, we do not have a clear answer; however, one theory is that our bodies have a preset weight baseline, called the Set Point, which is hardwired into our DNA (our genes). According to the Set Point Theory, our body works hard to stay within a certain weight range that is close to the Set Point. The Set Point theory suggests that your weight may go up or down temporarily but will ultimately return to its normal set range. So even after losing weight, our body fights to return to that Set Point weight, making it hard to keep the weight off.

What Controls the Set Point?

In theory, the Set Point, is driven by a very small but extremely important part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus receives signals (neurohormones, such as leptin, ghrelin, CCK, insulin) from all over the body and will adjust the Set Point based on these signals.

So Why does Weight Climb if we have a Set Point?

According to the Set Point Theory, with weight gain, the hypothalamus increases the Set Point weight. Therefore, when we lose weight, our body fights to return to the higher Set Point weight, making it harder to keep the weight off.

Can we Change our Set Point Weight? According to Set Point Theory, yes!

In order to reset our Set Point to a lower level, Set Point theory proponents recommend going slowly with weight loss goals. A gradual 10 percent step-down weight loss approach with subsequent weight maintenance at each stage can help prepare the body to accept the new lower Set Point.

In addition, weight loss medications (also known as anti-obesity medications) and bariatric and metabolic surgery can help to reduce the Set Point, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.

Takeaway

There’s still a lot that we don’t understand about why our weight shifts and why it is so difficult to keep the weight off once we have lost it. We do know that genetics, hormones, the amount and type of food we eat, and our environment all play a role in regaining weight.

The Set Point theory is just one concept researchers are studying to understand why it is so difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Those who are able to achieve sustainable weight loss, are successful because they have slowly decreased their Set Point.