How Physical Activity Affects Appetite & More (cont.)
Set Point
The “set point theory” contends that the body has a weight in which it naturally “wants to be.” The idea is that the body actively maintains a relatively constant weight. Following this theory, the body instinctively controls appetite. In other words, our genes supposedly predispose a person to being lean or fat for their entire lives. The set point is felt to be altered as people age, and intake needs and activity levels change. There are also beliefs that certain illnesses, like thyroid disease, can increase or decrease one’s set point.
According to the set point theory, the body has its own measures of regulating its fat stores. If it needs more fat it will activate hunger. If the body wants less fat it may signal to depress mood and appetite, therefore decreasing the amount of intake. So far only theories of changing the set point exist. Of these, regular exercise seems to be the most promising.
The newer belief is that the “set point” may be adjustable. If the set point can be lowered, then the body would force itself to lose weight. This would effectively increase the body’s metabolic rate until the new weight was achieved. The methodology in doing this is not scientifically sound. However, it does assert that the set point can be affected by eliminating strongly flavored, high-calorie foods that are high in sugar and digested quickly. Whether this technique changes a set point or not, the potential health benefits of eliminating foods with poor nutrient value can not be argued.