Summarize the setpoint theory and discuss in some detail the workings of the body's weight-regulating mechanism.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

(Answers may vary.) Results of research studies point toward a weight-regulating mechanism (WRM) in the human body that has a setpoint for controlling both appetite and amount of fat stored. The setpoint is hypothesized to work like a thermostat for body fat, maintaining fairly constant body weight, because it "knows" at all times the exact amount of adipose tissue stored in the fat cells. Some people have high settings; others have low settings.If body weight decreases (as in dieting), the setpoint senses this change and triggers the WRM to increase appetite or make the body conserve energy to maintain the "set" weight. The opposite also may be true. Some people have a hard time gaining weight. In this case, the WRM decreases appetite or causes the body to waste energy to maintain the lower weight.Every person has a certain body fat percentage (as established by the setpoint) that the body attempts to maintain. The genetic instinct to survive tells the body that fat storage is vital; therefore, the body sets an acceptable fat level. This level may remain somewhat constant or may climb gradually because of poor lifestyle habits.