Hitting a weight loss plateau can feel frustrating, but it’s a normal part of the journey. An initial drop in weight is followed by a decrease in the rate of weight loss as the body changes, metabolism is reduced and further progress may be slow. Knowing what is causing this and how to move beyond it will help you remain motivated.

Why Plateaus Happen

• Metabolic Adaptation: A smaller body has reduced calorie needs and thus loses weight at a slower rate.
• Loss of Muscle Mass: Low muscle mass means low metabolic rate. This is why strength training is recommended.
• Hormonal Changes: There are more hunger hormones that can make it difficult to adhere to the diet plan.
• Unconscious Habits: This could be due to more snacks or less activity, which may be slowing down your progress.

How to Break Through

• Reassess Your Diet: Reduce or increase calories, increase protein, and monitor what you eat.
• Change Up Your Workouts: Add strength training and high-intensity exercises to your regimen.
• Sleep and Stress: Lack of sleep and stress are known to slow down weight loss.
• Consult a Professional: Modifications to your plan may be required to keep on improving.

A plateau isn’t failure—it’s a signal to make small changes and keep going. At Seger | MD, we guide our patients through every phase of the weight loss process. If you get stuck, we are here to assist you in moving forward. Reach out today to request an appointment!