How do you know your body's bf "setpoint", and can one change it?

[SteelWeaver]

I've seen a couple of posts about everyone's body having a certain "setpoint" for how much body fat they carry. Now, how do you know what that point is? And will dieting down and then going onto maintenance move the setpoint lower? Or will you just have to work REALLY hard at keeping your body at a point that is lower than your setpoint?

My body has always floated very easily somewhere around 20-25% bf, but after my comp. there's no frickin' way in hell I'm goin' up there again. Is that my setpoint? I mean, SOME fat gain for muscle gain is fine, but I don't wanna be up there.

Just wondering ....

 

[BronzedGoddess]

Naturally without watching my diet and not working out intensely(sp?) I hover around 18-20. Thats where I'm at now because I'm slacking! But I hope to get that down to 12%, but not just a skinny 12%, a nice and muscular 12%. Hopefully......

 

[tbod1]

Just find out how many calories you eat per day to maintain your current weight. Drop this number by 200/day and you will lose weight. It may not be as fast as you would like but your body will be more inclined to keep the weight off.