Feel like you’re in a constant war with your body? 

No matter how hard you diet, count calories, exercise, and restrict the “bad” foods, you just can’t reach your goal weight (or maintain it). 

Yes? 

You’re not alone. 

From a *very* young age, we’re conditioned to believe all humans should look the same and weigh within a set limit (BMI). 

As soon as we edge out of these rigid and reductive weight limits and appearance standards, we’re made to believe it’s our fault for something we’re doing, we’re not trying hard enough to “combat our weight”, and we must try harder to lose weight. 

But there’s a massive problem with this narrative, and that’s because of something called the set weight theory. 

What is the set weight theory? 

The set weight theory refers to the idea that every human has a predetermined set weight influenced by several factors, particularly genetics and hormones. 

For a moment, imagine humans are the same as dogs. 

Think of the last time you were at a dog park. What did you notice? 

Were all the dogs the same size, shape and weight? 

No 

The same is true with humans. 

We’re essentially all different breeds with unique genetic makeups. 

Imagine making a bulldog try to look like a daschuand. It’s silly, right? 

Then why do we expect humans to be the same size, shape and weight? 

What’s an example of set point weight? 

An example of this would be a 10-year-old being genetically predetermined to weigh towards the 99% percentile for their age. 

While doctors may raise alarm bells because they’re a higher body weight, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhealthy or at a higher risk for health conditions than their peers who are in the 50th or 20th percentile. 

It’s their set weight, and they may continue to be in a higher-weight body for the rest of their life – this doesn’t mean their body is a problem. (although they’ll likely be subject to weight bias) 

The problem is that our society continuously makes people feel like they need to reach and stick to a certain weight that is not representative of their set weight. 

Why do we go above our set point? 

Our weight increases above our set point mainly because of dieting. 

Dieting is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain due to the changes in our hunger hormones and metabolism. 

Read more about what happens to your body when you diet.

Why is set weight theory important? 

The weight theory is important because it highlights the fact that we’re not all designed to be the same weight, and even if someone is above the healthy weight guidelines, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhealthy. 

Ready to reach and maintain your set point weight? 

You’re in the right place! At Balance and Bite, we work with humans (mainly women) to help them accept their bodies, improve their health, and feel in control of their food. Does this sound like the kind of non-judgmental support you’ve been looking for?