Does set point exist?

Question

So I have recently learned about a theory called Set Point. It basically claims that each person’s body has a set weight/size it is healthy at. I guess the idea is that you eat what you want in moderation, eat intuitively, and live a balanced life and your body will adjust to a set size? I learned about this while in treatment for ED and I thought it was interesting because we watched this video with one of the nurse led groups (the nurse just facilitated the discussion on this but said people disagree on rather or not it’s real). The girl in the video claimed that you actually need upwards of 3500 calories a day (unsure if that’s with or without rigorous exercise) but if I don’t see how that’s possible. What do y’all think?

Answer

I used to think kind of the same. That some people simply couldn't lose weight no matter how they tried (I'm not talking about anyone with underlying conditions!), and that was it. I was a bit overweight for my weight but not much and I thought that was normal. 
Until I realized I simply wasnt in calorie deficit as I thought i was, and since a lot of people misunderstand how calories work, and i dont even fully understand it yet, i think that's the issue. I got my diet straight and started to be honest with myself. I wasn't eating as well as I thought I was, or exercising as much. took a while but I lost the 20lbs i needed and I'm feeling better nowadays, let alone my blood levels that improved.

Answer

I think it’s probably somewhat true. I know some people who eat well, exercise, but just can’t lose those extra 10 pounds or whatever without intense and strict workouts/dieting. Everyone’s body is different, I looked it up and can’t find much actual research, but what I do see is that most articles about it say that you can change your body’s set point? It definitely needs more research.

Answer

Yes. Everyone has a set body type based on genetics and also their environment, eating habits, and exercise habits. Combine all of that together and ta-da! (My phone autocorrected da to DQ at first-I know what my set point requires! 😋)

Answer

I would say it’s somewhat true. Yes. Everyone’s body is different and they may need different attention than others. I can agree that each body is different and specific size/weight that is healthy for one person would not always be healthy for another. I disagree with the caloric intake of 3500 though. That completely contradicts what “set point” means. Caloric intake isn’t a one size fits all amount. Depends on your body type, how active you are, body fat composition, etc...

Answer

I hadn’t heard about this before. It’s interesting. I do know this- I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. At my most active and healthiest/strictest diet (with a personal trainer and nutritionist) I hit a point where my body just would not lose any more, and I was still a size 12. Probably should have looked into medical reasons at the time, but then I injured my ankle and spent five years trying to get it treated/diagnosed. That killed the exercise portion of my routine and I was right back up to where I started, even with the strict diet.

Answer

Yes this is true. I have my bachelors in nutrition. We learned and read research on how much genetics plays a role in body size. There is a reason why everyone looks different and it’s not because some people are better at choosing certain foods or eat more or less than others. Our genes largely determine what your normal size is. Additionally, your genes play a role in regulating your metabolism and body composition. There are several different body types and people are not just built the same. My brother has a very high metabolism, was never able to put on much fat and could only put on so much muscle before he kind of plateaued. My other brother was more stocky. I wanted to be skinny like my brother but never could. No matter what I did. Our genes are not the same. When I stopped binging and purging in high school and went to college to learn about nutrition I realized that the problem with our bodies isn’t our bodies. The problem is the way that society makes us think that we are al supposed to look the same. My school focused very much on body positivity and it is wonderful. Love who you are. And when you meet your “natural” body, the one without ED, I hope that you can love yourself even more and feel how much healthier you are!

Answer

I’ve got bad bowel conditions and it made me loose over 4 stone in a very short space of time. 
Since being in hospital for 2 months , I now have to eat 3500 calories to 
1. Put weight back on 
2. To eat enough to sustain weight
3. To eat enough for my energy for the day 
I have to eat this for the rest of my life. 
It’s incredibly hard to do when I can’t eat cheese, fried food etc it all has to be healthy 
Everyone is different and for some this would be very bad and for some very good. 
It’s not one for all

Answer

Kind of? I know that certain people are healthy at certain weights THATS for sure, but upward of 3500 calories a day seems like a lot. If someone is like 5’2 and 110lbs then that seems right but if someone whos like 5’11 and also 110lbs then I’d probably concerned.  It depends on the body

Answer

3500 calories is a lot to eat in a day, unless you are VERY physically active. 
And idk, I think bodies can have different points where they rest, it all depends on how/what you eat and how active you are. I mean you are constantly growing and changing. Why would your body just have one weight it wants to be? That doesn't make sense.

Answer

Ugggh accidentally voted no. I do think this is true, I don’t think it’s the height weight combo people think is right for them. I eat a balanced diet, eat 3 good size meals a day, a snack in the morning, a snack in the afternoon and a little desert at the end of the day. I don’t eat past 8 and try to get at least 6,000-10,000 steps in a day (although that’s not intentional that’s just what happens when you have a high energy dog), I do basic an workouts when I can and lastly, I don’t eat full meals when we go out to eat (half is taken home for lunch tomorrow). I have a BMI of 18. Most doctors have gotten after me about my weight buuuuutttt, 🤷🏻‍♀️ I feel like I’m making pretty good decisions for the most part. This is my good spot. I mean, yea I could eat a McDonald’s burger everyday and gain weight to appease everyone who criticizes but if I feel great, energetic, powerful now then the dr is wrong. I do fear being overweight - I’m not going to lie. I would never want to be in a position where I can’t sit on a plane comfortably, wear a seatbelt when I drive, or walk up stairs comfortably and it surprises me that more people don’t do everything in their power to avoid that and then blame everyone else... may have started ranting a little off topic. BUT what your body looks like is typically a direct result of your own personal choices

Does set point exist?

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