Setpoint Theory

Researchers believe that each person has an internal control mechanism in the brain that maintains their weight at a constant level or setpoint.  This weight regulating mechanism controls both the appetite and the amount of fat stored.  It is believed that this mechanism operates in a manner similar to the way a thermostat controls the temperature in your house.  The higher the setpoint, the greater the fat storage and overall body weight.

If body weight decreases (as in dieting), the setpoint recognizes the change and triggers either an increase in the person’s appetite or makes the body conserve energy to maintain the “set” weight.  The body conserves energy by lowering the metabolic rate and by improving the food (fat) storing mechanisms.  Thus, when you diet, your weight-regulating mechanism sees your caloric restriction as a form of starvation, and its natural survival response is to improve energy storage as fat, the very thing you are trying to prevent!  Even though prolonged caloric restriction may temporarily lower weight and fat, the setpoint remains unchanged.  When your eating habits return to normal the fat is quickly regained as the body strives to reach a comfortable fat level (its setpoint).  This may explain the difficulty many people have with “keeping the weight off” once they have lost it.

Research suggests that our setpoint can be improved through lifelong dedication to proper nutrition and sensible eating habits, combined with regular workouts with your Hamilton personal trainer.   Specifically a  long-term diet high in complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta and rice) seems to have a positive effect on lowering the setpoint while regular continuous cardiovascular exercise also seems to lower the setpoint.  In addition, your Hamilton personal trainer will help you to increase lean body tissue , raise your  metabolism, and increase the body’s enzymes that break down fat which will result in safe weight (fat) loss when combined with a healthy diet containing the proper amount of calories.  In contrast, a persons setpoint seems to be increased by diets that are high in fats and refined carbohydrates (sweets, cakes and candy), and diets that severely restrict caloric intake.