Metabolic Set Point

It is suggested that your body has a predetermined or preferred weight range where it likes to settle. We evolved this way to prevent us from becoming weak when food availability was low and too big to move in times of excess. This range is determined by a combination of genetics, diet/exercise habits and hormones. Genetics may predispose someone to a certain weight range. However someone’s lifestyle choices ultimately have the biggest impact on their weight set point. 

Energy balance in the body (calories in vs. calories out) will still determine if someone loses, maintains, or gains weight. Our body will prompt us to take actions to adjust calories out (usually our NEAT) to help keep our set point. For example, feeling tired resulting in relaxing on the couch when we under eat or having the energy to clean out the garage on the weekend after we overeat.