How to Reset a Body Weight Set Point
A body weight set point is determined by the amount of food you normally eat and the amount of exercise you normally do each day. People who eat and exercise a lot have a higher weight set point than those who eat and exercise little. You can change your body weight set point to match your daily routine or to a special diet or exercise program.
- Calculate your weight often. Determine the weight you have maintained for at least six months. This is your current body weight set point. Do not count periods of dieting or extreme exercise. The body weight set point is your weight without effort.
- Choose the amount of weight you wish to lose or the desired body weight set point.
- Choose a date to start your diet or exercise program. Instead of doing a yo-yo diet or an a short exercise program that helps you lose weight fast, choose a healthy and easily maintainable diet, and adopt a daily, long-term exercise program. Diet and exercise might allow you to lose weight, but if they are not adopted long term, the body weight set point cannot reset and will return to normal when you are finished with the diet or exercise program.
- Include the new diet or exercise program in your daily routine. Set a daily calorie intake rate, and stick to it. Choose a time to exercise such as after work or in the morning before work. Stick with the schedule every day or as often as you choose to exercise.
- Weigh yourself often. Once you have stopped gaining or losing weight, you will be at a new body weight set point.