Set point theory

Imagine your body is like a house with a thermostat. The thermostat controls the temperature inside the house, making sure it's not too hot or cold. This is similar to the set point theory for your body.

Your body has a set point, or a target weight and/or body fat percentage that it wants to maintain. Just like the thermostat in the house, your body makes adjustments to your metabolism and hunger levels to try to maintain this set point.

If you are dieting and lose weight below your set point, your body will try to bring you back up to that weight by increasing hunger levels and slowing down your metabolism to store more calories. On the other hand, if you gain weight above your set point, your body will try to bring you back down to that weight by decreasing hunger levels and increasing metabolism to burn more calories.

This set point theory can make it difficult for some people to lose weight or keep it off long-term without their body fighting back. However, with effort and patience, it is possible to slowly lower your set point through regular exercise and healthy eating habits.