Posted by ElaineM on January 20, 2007, at 20:12:36
In reply to 'Magic' weight, posted by DannaB on January 19, 2007, at 23:37:33
>>>>>Basically, I eat what I want within reason and my weight stays at 120 lbs. Sometimes I'll gain a couple or lose a couple, but invariably it returns to this magic #.
Not magic :), it's just the human body, pure and simple, and awesome. It's called your "set point", and it's the weight that your body is naturally programmed to fight to stay at. It's how most people can indulge a little here and there and still have a stable weight. It was explained to me before like this: when you're at your set point your body will adapt to different activity levels, and food intake (within reason), to fight to stay at that weight. So if you're eating more for awhile your metabolism will burn more to work it off [like throwing more logs on a fire -- that's how she explained it :-) ], and if you're not eating enough your body will slow the rate at which it burns calories.
>>>>>>While I'm reasonably happy at this weight, I am a petite person and think I could look so much better if I could just get down 5 lbs.
Ah, the fateful five pounds that haunt so many. Five isn't that much - infact most stylists say that you can slim your own figure by even ten pounds, by wearing the best clothes for your body, having the best hair cut for your face, and standing with good posture. Have you tried that before?
>>>>>Is there any way I can "reset" my body's natural weight?
Nope. You can definately manipulate it, but not without it throwing a tantrum right back. And it will never be set to a new specific weight - like, it will never stay there as naturally as you maintain your weight now. You'll have to battle for it constantly. At least you've got a good metabolism right now. Continual dieting could actually slow it, and end up making you gain.
It's not dumb or unimportant though :) Is this desire to lose a little to look better something you've always struggled with, or is it a new thing?
blove El
poster:ElaineM
thread:724291
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/eating/20061124/msgs/724606.html