Set point theory explains that every individual has a specific range of weight and fat that can’t be changed. No matter how much you diet or exercise, your weight will remain within predetermined limits. ⁽¹⁾

The theory was proposed by Kennedy in 1953. Particular neuro-endocrine and physiological mechanisms play key roles in supporting this theory. ⁽²⁾

The idea was introduced as several studies revealed that despite the initial weight loss after exercise and diet, after some time, individuals regained their weight as of previous. It happens in around 80% of the cases that they regain their lost weight after sometime. ⁽³⁾

Set point theory explains that “obesity protects obesity”. Compensatory mechanisms have been developed by nature to protect weight gain and weight loss. ⁽⁴⁾

Whenever an individual loses weight, neuroendocrine mechanisms promote hunger and increase the craving for food to regain weight. ⁽⁵⁾

This theory seems less working for weight gain, as it is difficult for an individual to lose weight until active measures are adopted. ⁽⁶⁾

Weight set point theory also suggests that, like temperature is controlled by a thermostat, ponderostat/adipostat of the hypothalamus controls body weight. It gives error signals if the feedback signal deviates from the set point. ⁽⁷⁾

Leptin hormone, a neurotransmitter, is released by fat cells, and its release reduces during hunger and fasting. Slow release drives food intake desire. ⁽⁸⁾

Set point theory works almost fine for weight loss, but it is difficult to regain normal weight after getting obese.

Leptin receptor mutation also explains this discrepancy if an individual cannot lose weight. ⁽⁹⁾

Although set point theory is fascinating and looks legit from some aspects, it still has some drawbacks.

Certain environmental and sociocultural factors also determine body weight. The ‘Thrifty gene’ hypothesis explains that genes that promote weight gain and fat deposition evolved over time, and when they found an ‘obesogenic’ environment, phenotypic expression occurs. ⁽¹⁰⁾

This hypothesis is supported by the argument that, in the past, people faced food scarcity and used to be physically strong, and in some cases, undernutrition also prevailed.
On the other hand, today, there is a surplus of food in major parts of the world, leading to increased obesity incidence. ⁽¹¹⁾

Leptin hormone plays a key role in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation. Its resistance indicates that, despite the higher concentration of circulating leptin, brain centres don’t respond to it, leading to increased cravings and weight gain. ⁽¹²⁾

Leptin resistance is caused by leptin gene mutation or deletion. ⁽¹³⁾

Weight loss triggers certain neuroendocrine mechanisms to facilitate regaining the lost weight, given enough food supply.

Set point theory is limited in the case of obese and overweight individuals. It isn’t easy to lose weight until active measures are taken. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Other factors can also impact body weight, i.e.,

• Food culture and availability
• Socioeconomic background

Exercise has particular benefits for managing weight. It increases metabolism and calorie expenditure. Through neuro-endocrine mechanisms, it also helps in regulating hunger and satiety hormones. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Optimum Sleep also regulates leptin and ghrelin hormones. Moreover, sleeplessness activates the reward centre and can lead to stress eating.

A study indicates that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a twofold increase in weight loss.

It contains all the essential nutrients required for the body to operate. Mediterranean diet includes;⁽¹⁶⁾

• Vegetables, fruits, lentils, nuts
• Ω-3 Fatty acid-rich oils and fish
• Least amount of poultry, cheese, eggs, and red meat.

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels in the body and can mediate weight gain, affecting overall physical well-being. ⁽¹⁷⁾

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/set-point-weight
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276312/#:~:text=In%201982%2C%20nutritional%20researchers%20William,developed%20the%20set%2Dpoint%20theory.
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4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276312/#:~:text=In%201982%2C%20nutritional%20researchers%20William,developed%20the%20set%2Dpoint%20theory.
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276312/
6. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/set-point-theory
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/set-point-theory
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703217/#S5
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/set-point-theory
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4057799/#:~:text=In%201962%2C%20James%20Neel%2C%20a,against%20the%20detrimental%20impact%20of
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763402000143#preview-section-snippets
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6354688/#abstract1
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6562380/
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_point_theory#:~:text=Set%20point%20theory%20explains%20why,towards%20the%20set%20point%20weight.
15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5489012/#:~:text=Blood%20was%20drawn%20pre%2Dexercise,acute%20bout%20of%20endurance%20exercise.
16. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16037-mediterranean-diet
17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27345309/