well, Guest HP is correct that the body does learn early on how to process calories and establishes 'set points', sending messages of hunger independent of actual requirements.

This is only ONE factor in the over-all picture of how much weight we gain. Emotional factors, genetics, exercise, culture, age...etc...all are involved, and it ain't easy to deal with!

I said that I had very little problem....actually, my 'ideal' weight would be 10-15 lbs under what I weigh now, but since I don't gain, no matter what I eat, losing even 5 lbs. would require enormous self-control and effort. I have started walking and doing some other exercise, and cutting back on the bags of cookies that I love....we shall see.

(I am 6'...thin frame...175lbs... Until I was 30 yrs. old, I weighed 135-140. They laughed at me when I wanted 26'x34' jeans. I would 'like' to be 160, as I was when I did serious labor-intensive work, but lordy, those mashed potatoes are good!