Willing But Weak

There is a theory of weight loss management called the set-point theory. The theory argues that each person has a natural weight range which is healthy and normal for that person called a set-point. The theory suggests that when a person tries to go below their set-point, the body’s defense mechanisms against starvation kick in and metabolism is decreased. Additionally, the body continues to resist deviation from the set point by increasing thoughts about food, weight and hunger. What is interesting about this theory is that a person’s set point isn’t necessarily the weight at which the person is healthiest, but the point at which the body is most comfortable. In essence, this theory explains why people have a tendency to lose a small amount of weight (5-10lbs) and then yo-yo between the original weight and the new weight or why a person can lose a large amount of weight and then plateau before losing additional weight. Essentially, the only way to “reset” a person’s set-point is to lose the weight and then keep it off without deviation for 10-12 months.

This theory was suggested to me a few days ago as a source of encouragement from a friend of mine who is a registered dietician as I’ve been pretty discouraged by my recent plateau. What strikes me so much about this theory is the way that the body actively works against itself so that it can be comfortable. Isn’t that true of other areas of our life as well? How do you self-sabotage?

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Matthew 26:41

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