How Do I Find My Set Point Weight?
Have you heard the term “Set Point Theory” used?
Set point theory is a concept that explains the body's tendency to maintain a stable weight and physiological state, known as the "set point." This theory suggests that the body has a natural weight range that it strives to maintain, and that attempts to deviate from this range through dieting or other means of food and body manipulation can trigger a range of physiological responses that make it difficult to maintain weight loss or weight gain in the long term.
Set point varies person to person.
The set point theory is rooted in the idea that the body has a complex system of feedback mechanisms that work together to maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis. This system involves hormones, enzymes, and other chemical messengers that communicate between the brain, digestive system, endocrine system, and other parts of the body to regulate things like hunger, metabolism, and energy balance. According to the set point theory, the body's set point for weight is determined by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, such as age, sex, genetics, stress, sleep, diet, and physical activity.
Restrictive behaviors will affect one’s set point.
When the body senses that it is outside of its set point range, it initiates a series of physiological responses to bring it back to its preferred state. For example, if someone loses weight through restrictive behaviors, the body may respond by slowing down metabolism, increasing hunger and cravings, and conserving energy in order to prevent further weight loss. This is often referred to as the "starvation response," and it can make it very difficult to maintain weight loss in the long term.
We want to emphasize that this mechanism is not someone’s fault; it is simply the body doing what it needs to do in order to survive.
“How do I know my set point?”
As dietitians who specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating, we would like you to first ask yourself why this is important information for you to know?
In our experience, this question often stems from a place of fear such as:
Feeling dissatisfied with current body
Fear of weight gain or more weight gain
Hope for weight loss if continued regular eating is worked on
It may be helpful to pause and reflect, without judgment of self, on current relationship with food and body. We want to acknowledge that working on connecting to the body and working towards body trust can feel scary. The messages we have heard about body weight and shape, food and exercise can affect the way we feel about our bodies. We are specifcally referring to the messages in our homes, as well as our overall society. There is no doubt that the society we live in perpetuates fear of weight gain and it seems thinnness and leanness is valued at all costs. These are all things that we process with our clients and really practice checking the facts on. Through our work, we find it is helpful to focus on how the behaviors you engage in can benefit your body and your mind. When our actions and values feel aligned is when we can create sustainable behavior change that we feel rooted in.
If you need more support, reach out to us today! We offer in person services in South Florida and Atlanta. We also offer virtual nutrition therapy Recovery is possible.
Stay nourished,
The team at Namaste Nourished