The theory you're looking for is the set-point theory. It posits that each person has an ideal or “set point” body weight that the body tends to defend, making sustained deviations from that weight resistant to change.
Key points
- Core idea: The body automatically implements physiological adjustments to maintain its set point, such as changes in appetite, energy expenditure, and hormones, when weight moves away from this range.
- Evidence and nuances: There is substantial scientific discussion about a fixed set point versus settling points (weight stabilizing around a moving target influenced by environment and behavior). Some research supports active biological regulation around a healthy steady state, while other findings emphasize the role of environmental factors in shaping long-term weight trajectories.
- Practical implications: This theory helps explain why many people find it difficult to sustain weight loss; the body may compensate for reduced intake or increased exercise by increasing hunger or reducing metabolic rate. Tailored, sustainable approaches that address both behavior and environment are often recommended.
Common sources describing the concept
- OpenStax Psychology revisions describe the set-point as an ideal weight that remains resistant to change and is genetically influenced, with compensatory energy adjustments when weight changes occur.
- Reviews and educational resources discuss the existence of a set point and how weight regulation can persist or shift in response to long-term dietary patterns and physical activity.
- Popular health articles summarize the idea that the body defends a stable weight range through hormonal and metabolic mechanisms, contributing to difficulty in long-term weight loss.
If you’d like, I can tailor a concise explanation for a specific context (e.g., exams, casual understanding, or a health plan) or compare set-point theory with the “settling point” concept and how each informs weight- management strategies.
