What is “the set point weight”?

The set point weight is the range of body weight your body naturally tries to maintain when you’re eating intuitively, not restricting or bingeing, and generally living in balance (physically and emotionally). It’s not a fixed number, but rather a range — usually about 5–10 pounds wide — where your body feels most stable.
? How Set Point Works:
Your body has a biological regulation system that controls hunger, fullness, metabolism, and energy expenditure.
If you go below your set point:
Hunger increases, metabolism slows.
You may feel cold, tired, irritable, or obsessed with food.
If you go above it:
Appetite may decrease, metabolism may speed up slightly.
You might feel less comfortable or naturally adjust your habits without strict dieting.
Your body is constantly working behind the scenes to defend that range — much like it does with temperature or blood pressure.
?? Set Point ? Goal Weight
Your set point might be higher than what diet culture tells you is “ideal.”
Trying to stay below it often leads to yo-yo dieting, binge-restrict cycles, and metabolic stress.
When you stop restricting, your body often settles at a weight where it can function optimally — not where you “wish” it would be.
? What Affects Your Set Point:
Genetics (hugely influential)
History of dieting/restriction (can increase your set point over time)
Stress, sleep, and mental health
Medications, illness, hormonal changes
? Signs You’re at or Near Your Set Point:
You eat without obsessing or restricting.
You’re not bingeing or emotionally eating often.
Your weight stays relatively stable (despite natural fluctuations).
You have regular energy, periods (if applicable), and hunger cues.