Two models for how body weight stabilizes.
What the evidence says
- *Set point model:* Adipose tissue signals fat stores (via leptin) to brain, which compares to target and adjusts hunger/metabolism1
- *Settling point model:* Weight stabilizes based on environmental factors without active defense of specific target1
- *Dual intervention point model:* Upper and lower boundaries where active regulation kicks in, with passive dynamics between them1
- Neither pure model is adequate; gene-by-environment interactions dominate weight regulation1
- Set point explains weight regain after dieting; settling point explains environmental contributions1