Weight loss is a permanent lifestyle change, not a transient event like the word 'diet' sometimes suggests. Whether the triggers are emotional or physical, the dieter must develop coping mechanisms to wean him or herself away from fattening comfort foods. Having other, healthy foods on hand or developing new habits like going for a walk to deal with unpleasant situations can reconfigure a dieter's obesegenic environment and routine. Switching to smaller plates at home, stocking the refrigerator with healthy food, making exercise part of daily life rather than a rare occurrence, are all effective...

The problem with set point theory in today's world is that the 'set point' of far too many individuals has been exceeded -- the rise in diabetes and heart disease is not due to people trying to get below their set point, rather their bodies are crying out for relief at being set 'too high.'