Is it Possible to Change your Weight “Set Point” and Live a Healthier Life

A weight set point is a weight at which your body feels comfortable and takes little to no effort to maintain. “Research suggests that the body does have a ‘set point’ that is in part determined by an individual’s unique genetics and metabolism. This ‘set point’ is also a product of environment or the behaviors an individual chooses to follow, including diet and training.” (Source)

If you’re trying to lose weight by being on the next fad diet, and your weight is going up and down like a yo-yo, this will actually increase your weight set point. Fad diets make it harder to reduce your weight and stay consistent.  “The ‘set point’ theory suggests that there is a feedback control system in place by the body to regulate body weight at a constant. The theory suggests that food intake or energy expenditure is adjusted based on need in proportion to the difference between the current body weight and the ‘set point’ weight.”(Fitness Rx)

Try to think of an exercise regimen that you can realistically adhere to for most if not, the rest of your life. By staying consistent in your goals and efforts, you will see results.

The trick is to think long-term. Since nutrition plays a huge part in losing weight, start by changing what you eat.  To shift your weight set point, try increasing your protein and vegetable intake.  Also, avoid excessive starches, sugar, and alcohol.

Do not go on a crash diet or exercise to the point of exhaustion. Crash diets do not teach you how to eat for the rest of your life, they are simply there for you to focus on restrictive rules that may work for a short amount of time. They will not give you long-lasting results.

Remember, when everything seems like it’s going the same way. Do something different! Do not let your weight set point get the best of you, break past that number on the scale and live the healthy life you deserve!