Question

Jessica comes home from middle school one day and is upset. Her Mom asks her what is wrong and Jessica responds, "All the kids at school make fun of me and say that I am chunky and big-boned. I just want to be thin like the rest of the girls!" Jessica's Mom retorts with, "Honey, don't worry what the other kids say. You don't have to be very thin like some of those other girls, just make sure you are healthy. Besides, we are all genetically preprogrammed to carry around a certain amount of body weight. That is just how we were made."

Jessica's Mom is clearly referring to the:

A) obesity-prevention theory.
B) metabolic rate theory.
C) James-Lange theory.
D) body mass index theory.
E) set-point theory.

Answer 1

Answer: Jessica's mom is clearly referring to the SET POINT THEORY.

The set point theory explains that the body weight of an individual needs to reach a particular weight in order for it to function in the most favourable or desirable condition.

This theory holds that an individual's body will do everything possible to maintain that weight range. And no individual has control over what their set point will be.

The statement "Besides, we are all genetically preprogrammed to carry around a certain amount of body weight." Is a paraphrase of the setpoint theory.

Answer 2

Answer: Jessica's mom is clearly referring to "SET-POINT THEORY".

Therefore option E is most correct

Explanation: Set point is the amount of weight the body needs, for it to function optimally. Set point theory states that, a person's body will fight to maintain a certain range of weight for the body to function properly. This explains why some people eat more, but still look skinny, while some people eat less, but the body is not slimming down.

The mom was trying to encourage her, that the body has been set to that weight range, and she can never change it, so it's not her fault. The mother understood set- point theory, and has used it to comfort Jessica.