Evidence that humans have a set-point for weight is reflected in the fact that:
A) when prisoners were fed large amounts of food they gained less weight than they should have and returned to their normal weight when they resumed a regular diet
B) when people diet frequently, they wind up gaining more weight than those who do not
C) studies of semistarvation have shown that long-term reduction in food intake causes people to lose interest in food and eating
D) as less food is consumed, the body's ability to use the energy contained in the food is reduced

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is known as the "set point theory" which suggests that the body has a predetermined weight range that it seeks to maintain. Even when individuals are over-fed or under-fed for a short period, the body will eventually return to its original weight range. This is evident in the case of the prisoners who were fed large amounts of food, but still gained less weight than expected and returned to their normal weight when their diet was regularized.

Evidence That Humans Have a Set-Point for Weight Is Reflected