Set Point Theory

Set point theory suggests that your body has a preferred weight range it tries to maintain, like a thermostat. When you lose weight, your body may fight back by increasing hunger and slowing metabolism, which is why keeping weight off can be challenging.

Set point theory posits that body weight is regulated by a homeostatic feedback system involving the hypothalamus, adipose-derived hormones (leptin), and gut hormones (ghrelin, GLP-1). Weight loss triggers compensatory responses — decreased leptin, increased ghrelin, and reduced resting energy expenditure — that resist further loss and promote regain. This physiological defence explains the high recidivism rate in obesity treatment and supports the need for long-term, multimodal interventions rather than short-term dieting.

Weight regain is not a failure of willpower — it is biology. Dr. Joseph Wang’s programme uses medical and lifestyle strategies to help your body adapt to a new, healthier set point.