Do you think the body has a set weight it's "happiest" at?

[curiouschica]

In other words, if someone is normally 117 pounds, for example, and tries to get to 112, is it extremely difficult for them to maintain that weight when their body is accustomed to the higher number? Or is that myth just nonsense?

[queenofpeen]

As long as you remember that we're taking about individuals (not that there's a certain range that everyone should be in), absolutely. I adore that the "set point" theory exists because it's yet another thing for scientists and doctors to keep in mind when they're analyzing obesity and BMI and other things that tell people that the weight they are at is "wrong," even if they are physically healthy and active and feeling good.

[curiouschica]

You're right...sometimes numbers aren't the best way to look at things!

[Deft_maiden]

Good to see back chica! :)

Our body hits plateaus. No myth there. To loose more weight you need to change your excessive and diet routine. Ur mind plays funny games there.

[curiouschica]

Awww thanks Deft! =) Don't I know it...the mind is so sneaky! lol

[curiouschica]

Nice pic of Damon btw!

[Deft_maiden]

Ahh thanks I just love looking at my profile pic these days. :D

[Malcom_Reynolds]

Yes and no. Everyone's body has a weight range that it's most comfortable in, but what anyone's body is best set to do, is reach a balance at a certain weight between calorie intake and calories used. It stresses the body to change weight and affects like hormone levels so it'd rather just stay at one weight to maintain it, sometimes even if it's not ideal.

[curiouschica]

I think it's easier when we get older too to accept something other than our ideal and just focus on being healthy...yes it's better to be in the middle of the see saw...

[martyfellow]

I don't know about a set weight, but there is good weight for your level of physical activity and life style, and it is very difficult to lose weight once you are at that point. Your body rebels and wants to get back to the weight you can best function at, so to speak.

[curiouschica]

The human body sure is something! Wants to make sure we don't starve ourselves I suppose!

[martyfellow]

Yes, we should listen to our bodies, they know what they need. But our bodies won't stand much abuse.

[martyfellow]

Best Answer, verdad?

[curiouschica]

Ok here you go...

[martyfellow]

Gracias, chica...Hasta la proxima!

[curiouschica]

lol denada!

[toolt00l]

Yes, in fact there is a psychological term for it. It's called a person's "Set Point".

Check it out here: link

[curiouschica]

Nice! I think there's some truth to it!

[billnye]

it probably just depends on your body type. if a lot of your weight is muscle, it will be reallly hard to lose the weight. but if you have a lot of fat to burn, its definitely possible.

[curiouschica]

I was more so speaking hypothetically because I've heard that concept before...but what you said is true!

[DishLady]

Yes, each body type has it's happy, balanced weight.

[curiouschica]

That makes sense, although I wish it didn't necessarily...

[DishLady]

I mean, it's technically possible to lose more weight, but then you don't look right and it often affects your long-term health in a bad way.

[emilysem]

Yeah, we just learned about set weights in psychology. Everyone has one. If you're not at it, you either eat to get to in (subconsciously) or lose weight. You can change it, but it takes work.

[curiouschica]

Well, good to know that persistence CAN pay off... =)