Why We Eat (Too Much): The New Science of Appetite

by Andrew Jenkinson

The secret of successful and sustainable weight loss is to understand how our bodies regulate our body weight set-point.

To recap, the weight set-point theory says that the subconscious brain (the hypothalamus) is responsible for calculating the weight that is best for us. It uses data from our genes and environment to calculate our own individual weight set-point. A change in the environment, i.e. a deficiency of an essential food, could turn the set-point upwards.

We also learned, in chapter 3, that recurrent low-calorie dieting will also elevate our weight set-point as a protector against future food shortages.