Body weight regulation models in humans: insights for testing their validity

Abstract

Maintaining a ‘healthy’ body weight is crucial for survival and involves a partially understood regulatory system that adjusts energy intake and energy output (expenditure and losses) for that purpose. Several models of body weight regulation exist, but experiments testing their validity are lacking. This Review elaborates on how to test the validity of body weight regulation models in humans. We begin by highlighting the interaction between the obesogenic environment and the individual’s biological sensitivity to such environment, which triggers obesity in many, but not all, individuals. We discuss the identity of the regulated parameter(s), often considered to be body weight or body adiposity. We then focus on two models: set point and dual-intervention point. Under the set point model, obesity results from a malfunction of the system (leptin resistance) for preventing weight increases above the defended value. Under the dual-intervention point model, obesity occurs because the system tolerates a wide range of weights in some individuals. This key difference predicts different compensatory responses to energy balance perturbations in individuals according to their weight status, thus becoming instrumental in testing the validity of the models. Finally, we discuss the design of proof-of-concept experiments to advance the understanding of body weight regulation in humans.