In the following TED talk, neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt talks about how our brains manage our bodies, as she explores the science behind why dieting does not work, but can do more harm than good. She suggests ideas for how to live a less diet-obsessed life, intuitively.

In her talk Sandra Aamodt talks about Set Point Theory.

Set Point Theory is the idea that your body has an innate weight range that it tries to maintain. And everyone's set point is unique to them. It’s just one of several theories.

According to Set Point Theory, if you’re losing weight, your metabolism slows down, and you feel more hungry to help make sure you stay within your range.

On the other hand, if you overeat, a feedback mechanism ups your metabolism, and your hunger signals slow down, helping to keep you from gaining weight as easily.

But weight management is very complicated, and there are many aspects of body weight regulation that scientists don’t yet understand. Overall, it seems easier for most people to gain weight in the long term, rather than lose it. For that reason, rates of obesity are increasing with each new generation.

Some environments and food cultures likely promote weight gain.

If Set Point Theory is correct, these environmental influences may be overriding your set point.

Set Point Theory may help explain why most people find it very tricky to lose weight and why 80% of people regain lost weight within 2–5 years. 

If you’re trying to lose weight and finding it challenging, this theory may be of interest or a comfort and help show how many factors are at play when it comes to weight loss.