My hips are at their “set-point”…so I have no choice but to love them...because they are set?

There are a lot of conceptions about how weight loss, gain, and maintenance are managed and one of these theories is called the set-point theory. Set-point theories suggest that attempts at permanent weight loss are a waste of time. Set-point theories reflect a belief that a person falls in a weight area that can be changed or altered by specific psychological methods (Pinel, J. 2006). This is based on an assumption that our bodies are triggered, because of an increase in hunger, to crave a meal and upon consuming the meal we return to our natural set-point until time has passed and energy has been expended resulting in a craving for the next meal. This may have originated from ancestral times in which food was scarce but today we live in a world full of over-portioned, calorie packed, convenient and cheap food (Brannon & Feist, 2004).

Hunger is critical in managing energy needs and resources, and the human body responds based on feedback from internal triggers regarding if it is hungry, tired, lacking protein, fat, etc. (Pinel, 2006). However, theories about weight behavior, such as the set-point theory, may not apply in all cases. For example, families who do not understand the impact of portion control could be at risk for developing obesity because types of food and the amount in which they consume it can be way out of proportion with what the body’s set-point may require (Caprio, 2006).

An effective weight loss plan must go beyond set-point theory and should incorporate long-term health goals such as good cholesterol levels, low blood pressure, a healthy resting heart rate, a good body mass index, and a regular exercise program (Samuel, 2007). Blood glucose levels should also be monitored as they could play a role in how much hunger a person feels although there are controversial research results surrounding this topic (Pinel, 2006) Additionally a diet should incorporate foods that are healthy, preferably pesticide free, and should include vitamins and minerals rather than fillers (Dillon & Sternas, 1997).

If you want to change your set-point you might want to read:

Brannon, L. & Feist, J. (2004). Health psychology: An introduction to behavior and health (5th Ed.). CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Caprio, S. (2006). Treating child obesity and associated medical conditions. The Future of Children, 16(1), 209+. Retrieved April 13, 2007, from Questia database

Dillon, D. L. & Sternas, K. (1997). Designing a successful health fair to promote individual, family and community health. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 14.

Pinel, J. (2006). Biopsychology (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Samuel, L. K. (2007). Behavioral change intervention program research. Health Psychology Course PSYC-8745-01