26 Mar The Most Common Reasons You’re Reaching a Weight Loss Plateau

Losing weight is a huge struggle for many people of all ages, backgrounds and weights. If you are on a weight loss journey and have been dropping some extra pounds, but all of a sudden find that you have stopped losing weight, then you likely have hit a plateau.

Plateaus eventually happen to everyone who tries to lose weight. You can be eating healthy, exercising regularly, and still just stop shedding weight. Weight loss plateaus are normal. They can happen to anyone. But what most people want to know about weight loss plateaus is why? Why does this issue happen to so many people who are struggling to lose weight?

Here are three of the most common reasons that people run into weight loss plateaus.

You’ve Already Lost Weight

If you have already lost some weight in your journey, then all of a sudden stop losing weight, that initial success may actually be your culprit. Your body’s metabolism actually tends to drop after weight loss. Your overall body mass is the primary thing that determines your resting metabolic rate or the number of calories you are able to burn per day.

So, if your body mass changes or drops dramatically, your metabolic rate can drop as well. So, don’t be surprised if you go from dropping weight like crazy to having your weight completely stay the same. Building muscle, and lowering your caloric intake is the best way to overcome this issue.

Your Body Needs to Reset

Sometimes, when we’ve been losing weight at a rapid or steady pace, our body will simply stop shedding pounds and hit the breaks. There is research to suggest that when our body gets to a weight in which it is comfortable, it may hit a plateau and basically want to “stay put.”

Your metabolism may simply need time to adjust to this new weight, so give yourself a month or two before doing anything drastic to get over the hump. Your body may just need some time to catch up to all of your weight loss efforts.

You’re Starting to Get in Better Shape  

If you are ramping up your exercise routine, or trying exercise for the first time, you may be prone to struggling with a weight loss plateau. First, you may be building muscles (which weigh more than fat) in a way that skews the scale. Over time, as your body gets more coordinated and you get in better shape with your exercise, your body will become more efficient. Simply put, you will expel less energy doing the same workout.

The best way to overcome this type of plateau? Change up your exercise routine, intensity or type of exercise every month to keep your body on its toes.

Knowing the reasons behind a weight loss plateau is the first step toward getting the help that you need. If you are struggling with a weight-loss plateau, rest assured that there are ways that you can overcome this obstacle. You may just need a little bit of guidance. Changing up your approach to weight loss, adding new supplements or diet approaches to your plan or trying new workout regimens can help you overcome that weight loss plateau.

We know that it can be frustrating to step on the scale every day and to all of a sudden find the numbers don’t drop. Here at LT Men’s Clinic, we can help you get to the bottom of your weight loss struggles so that you can get back to getting the results you have been looking for. If you need help, then give our office a call today at 817-369-3506 to schedule an appointment.