How many times have you found yourself shedding pounds only to regain the weight despite your best efforts? The endless cycle of losing and regaining can feel like an exercise in futility. But what if your body has a predetermined “set point” for weight governed by an innate drive for homeostasis? The theory suggests that our bodies are hardwired to resist significant deviations from a specific range of weight or fat mass, with compensatory mechanisms working tirelessly to maintain this equilibrium. While calorie reduction may lead to temporary weight loss, prolonged undereating can cause metabolic slowdown as the body strives to conserve energy.
The Hidden Culprits Behind Weight Struggles The impact of cortisol and stress on weight gain, especially during midlife, challenges the traditional view that excess weight is solely caused by overeating or insufficient exercise. Hunger acts as a defense mechanism against weight loss, orchestrated by the hypothalamus in the brain, according to Dr. Andrew Jenkinson, a bariatric surgeon and author of “Why We Eat (Too Much).
” While this regulatory system may have served an evolutionary purpose in dealing with food scarcity, Dr. Jenkinson points out that the weight set point doesn’t necessarily align with modern health ideals. For instance, if the brain anticipates potential food scarcity, such as an impending famine, prolonged winter, or the imposition of a low-calorie diet, it may signal the body to accumulate more fat reserve.
