set point

Question
Hi Melissa,
What is your opinion on the set-point theory of weight regulation?  

I have been trying to gain weight for almost all of my life.  I would like to gain about 10 or more pounds equally distributed.

I have a feeling that my set point is making this difficult for me.  How long might it take to increase my set point, and how would you suggest I go about it?

Thanks for your help,
Alan


Answer
There definitely is a set point for weight. What's pretty much unknown, though, is how it's set and what can change it-but it can be changed. The brain exactly regulates food intake and physical activity, within limits-in studies, people asked to eat a handful of nuts every day didn't change their calorie intake at all... but people who are asked to drink fruit juice or soda end up eating more total calories and gaining weight, suggesting that liquid calories are confusing to the brain's systems. Low protein, low fat, low fiber foods can also be confusing.
So if you want to try to change your set point, how about a big glass of fruit juice before bed? That way, you won't be able to subconciously cut calories from your other meals (in theory anyway!)
Good luck!
Melissa

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