Conquering Weight Loss
Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites
The Weight Loss Plateau
Losing weight is very hard work. You know this – you’ve been losing for a few weeks or months at this point. And now, you’re stuck.
You are probably beginning to think that you’ve hit your normal weight – meaning the weight that you were destined to be.
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When Results Stall
If the weight charts indicate that you need to lose several more pounds in order to achieve your ideal weight, then you’ve hit that ugly hill known in Diet Land as the Weight Loss Plateau.
That hill can make Mount Everest look very small.
There have been several studies involving The Weight Loss Plateau.
There are more recommendations than Venice has canals for bypassing or getting over the plateau, and what may work for one person, may not work for another.
What to Expect
If you have a lot of weight to lose, this is what you can expect in regards to The Weight Loss Plateau. For our example, let’s assume that an individual needs to lose 100 pounds.
The first 15 pounds will seem to drop off, sometimes in a one-week period. The next 10 pounds seem as though they are glued on and will never come off. So, is this a weight loss plateau?
No. The body is simply adjusting as quickly as it can to the fast weight loss of 15 pounds. The body has been slammed into an unknown land and is scampering about, trying to figure out what is going on.
This 10 pounds will drop off very slowly, but generally within a one-month period. A noticeable weight loss is still occurring, even though it is at a slower pace than the first 15 pounds.
At this point, our example individual has dropped 25 pounds. The next 10 pounds will fall off very quickly again! The next 10, very slowly again.
What we have is the body bouncing here and there, trying to adjust as quickly as it can to accommodate its new reduced size.
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So, what is a Weight Loss Plateau?
Throughout the diet an individual will encounter spans of virtually zero weight loss. This phase may exist for several weeks. To the dieter, it is very stressful going weeks at a time, sometimes with no weight loss.
Key Reason for Failure to Meet Fitness Goals
The Weight Loss Plateau is a chief reason why dieters fail. As long as results are being seen, it fuels motivation and provides a feeling of self-achievement, of accomplishment. But when the scales don’t move for several weeks, motivation fizzles.
If you are trying to lose 100 pounds or more, you can expect to encounter at least two Weight Loss Plateaus along your weight loss journey.
If you are trying to lose 50 pounds or less, you can expect to encounter at least one Weight Loss Plateau.
Patience is Key
Of course, everyone’s chemical makeup is different. If yours is very stubborn, you may experience a very rough journey. But you know what? You can achieve your weight loss goals. You really can! I’ve seen it happen time and time again. Perseverance is the key!
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