We’ve all been there; stuck in a rut with our weight and despite our best efforts, we still seem to end up back where we started when we check the scales. It can become incredibly disheartening, especially when you are making substantial changes and efforts to be healthier with your approach to diet and exercise. Today we are going to look a little closer at ‘set point’ theory and how this could be affecting your weight loss goals. 

What is the ‘set point’ theory?

We all have a unique set point. Our set point is affected by genetic, developmental and environmental factors. Just as your body regulates functions such as blood glucose or blood pressure, your levels of fat are also regulated and controlled by biological signals. These signals control appetite, digestion, metabolism and energy balance, determining your body’s weight ‘set point’. Studies have shown that body weight is maintained at a stable range (set point) despite variations in energy intake/expenditure. 

What’s happening is that your body is fighting to maintain the weight that it believes it needs to be to function optimally. For example, if you lower your energy intake you naturally become hungrier and your metabolism will slow down. If you overeat, your appetite will decrease and your metabolism will speed up. This is our natural biological weight management system. 

If the body manages weight regulation, what is the cause of obesity? 

The body is much better at gaining weight than it is at losing weight. This is a built-in survival mechanism. Our bodies very readily convert excess calories into fat and then try very hard to hold onto it, regardless of the reduction in intake. It is also a lot more difficult to ignore hunger, but very easy to overlook satiety and overeat. 

As you gain weight your set point is increased, meaning your body is then working harder to defend a higher set point than before. Our bodies are amazing at adapting to changes in our environment or lives, but this isn’t always for the better. 

Can I change or lower my ‘set point’ level?

All isn’t lost and this is entirely possible, but it does take time and a lot of dedication. It would require a slow but persistent weight loss, allowing your body to readjust at each increment of loss. But this isn’t always possible, as you will be constantly fighting against your body’s setpoint while attempting to lower it. Studies have shown that people who lose weight and maintain weight loss maintain persisting increased hunger years after weight loss, so, in order to keep the weight off, they need to have hunger management strategies.

Bariatric surgery and set point theory

Bariatric surgery (using the examples of gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery) creates physiological changes, which affect the levels of numerous hormones involved in appetite regulation. Bariatric surgery increases satiety (as the stomach is smaller or bypassed so less food can be consumed before feeling ‘full’) and decreases hunger, physiologically encouraging your body to want to lose weight. 

Bariatric surgery can help you to lower your weight ‘set point’ as a result of the physical changes to your digestive system, including hormones and nerve signalling. By lowering your body’s set point, you can achieve a sustainable healthier weight. 

If you’re considering bariatric surgery and would like to know more, please contact our practice to book an appointment with one of our bariatric specialists by calling (02) 9553 1120 or book online using Hotdoc.

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