HomeAnswersGeneral Practitionerweight lossI have hit a plateau in my weight loss journey. Why?

Why am I having a plateau in my weight loss goals?

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Published At February 19, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Is it normal to experience a plateau during weight loss, where progress stalls? How can I overcome this plateau and progress toward my weight loss goals? Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

Weight management is multifactorial. It is normal to experience a plateau during weight loss, where progress stalls. It can happen because your body adjusts to your new diet and exercise routine, and your metabolism may slow down. However, there are several strategies you can try to overcome a weight loss plateau and continue making progress toward your goals:

1. Adjust your calorie intake: Analyze your current calorie intake and consider reducing it slightly. As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to function, so you may need to adjust your calorie deficit. However, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before significantly changing your calorie intake.

2. Vary your exercise routine: If you have been following the same workout routine for a while, your body may have adapted. Try incorporating new exercises, increasing the intensity or duration of your workouts, or trying different types of exercise to challenge your body and break through the plateau.

3. Focus on strength training: Strength training exercises can help boost your metabolism and build lean muscle mass. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so increasing muscle mass can help improve metabolism.

4. Monitor your portion sizes: Your meal portions may have increased without your knowledge. Take a closer look at your portion sizes and ensure they align with your weight loss goals. Consider using measuring cups or a food scale to portion your meals.

5. Track your progress: Record your food intake and exercise to help identify areas to adjust. Sometimes, it is easy to underestimate how much we eat or overestimate how many calories we burn through exercise. Accurate tracking can help you make adjustments if necessary.

6. Manage stress and sleep: High stress levels and inadequate sleep can impact weight loss progress. Prioritize sleep and engage in stress-management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, or indulge in hobbies you enjoy.

7. Stay consistent and patient: Remember that weight loss is not always a linear process, and plateaus are a natural part of the journey. Do not get discouraged, and stay consistent with your healthy habits. Be patient and trust that continued efforts will eventually lead to progress.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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