What is the Origin of Weight Homeostasis Resistance?

The term is derived from the "set-point theory" of body weight regulation, which posits that the body maintains a preferred weight range through powerful regulatory mechanisms involving the hypothalamus. 'Resistance' describes the increased effort required to move away from this defended set-point. This phenomenon explains the high rate of weight regain after successful dieting.

What is the Mechanism of Weight Homeostasis Resistance?

Resistance is mediated by coordinated hormonal shifts: calorie restriction lowers circulating leptin and thyroid hormones, which in turn signals the hypothalamus to increase appetite and reduce resting energy expenditure. Concurrently, levels of hunger-promoting hormones like ghrelin increase significantly. This metabolic adaptation effectively lowers the energy required to sustain the body, making continued weight loss progressively more difficult and favoring weight regain.

Weight Homeostasis Resistance ∞ Area

Weight Homeostasis Resistance

Meaning

This describes the body’s physiological opposition to sustained changes in body weight, both loss and gain, often manifesting as a powerful, hormonally-driven push to return to a pre-established set-point, even if that set-point is pathologically high. This resistance is a core challenge in weight management and is driven by complex neuroendocrine feedback loops that regulate energy balance. It is a state where the homeostatic mechanisms are defending a suboptimal body composition.

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