Tag: Set point theory

While the phrase "eating Andrew Jenkinson" is a misinterpretation, Dr. Andrew Jenkinson is actually the author of the book *Why We Eat (Too Much)*, which explores the scientific reasons behind overeating, challenging the conventional wisdom of dieting. This article clarifies the common query by explaining the actual topic of his research.

According to research, more than 80% of individuals who lose weight eventually regain it, often within five years. This phenomenon is a key piece of evidence cited by proponents of the set point theory, a concept suggesting that the human body has a genetically predetermined weight range it will fiercely defend through biological mechanisms.

According to the set point theory, most people's weight fluctuates within a narrow range, thanks to the body's in-built regulatory mechanisms. This innate biological weight range is often referred to as your 'set point for hunger,' a complex system that influences your appetite and energy expenditure.

The human body maintains remarkable stability over the long term, with a majority of adults experiencing little change in body weight under normal conditions. The lipostatic model of body fat regulation is a homeostatic theory that attempts to explain this stability by proposing a feedback loop between fat tissue and the brain.

A 2024 study presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that the size of a person's fat cells correlates with future weight changes, with large cells linked to future weight loss and small ones to potential weight gain. This research highlights just one of the ways fat cells affect weight loss and how complex the body's energy regulation truly is.

Research indicates that over 80% of individuals who lose weight eventually regain it, suggesting a powerful biological defense mechanism. But can set points change over time, or are we locked into our baseline weight and happiness?

According to research, one year after diet-induced weight loss, levels of appetite-regulating hormones that encourage weight regain remain significantly altered. This physiological response is central to the question, "Will my body adapt to eating less?" and explains why weight management is so challenging.

According to a 2024 study, intuitive eating is more strongly associated with weight stability in women than with weight gain, as those with low intuitive eating scores were more likely to gain weight. The question, 'does intuitive eating cause weight gain?' is common for those moving away from diet culture, especially those with a history of restrictive dieting.

Studies suggest that for some individuals, especially those with a history of restrictive dieting, intuitive eating can initially lead to weight gain as the body recovers from deprivation. However, this is not the full story, and understanding the core principles reveals why asking 'can intuitive eating lead to obesity?' requires a nuanced answer.

According to research, over 80% of individuals who lose weight eventually regain it, and set point theory offers a compelling explanation for this struggle. The body’s innate biological programming, known as its set point, directly affects hunger and metabolism to maintain a specific weight range, regardless of intentional dieting.