Photo Credit: World Obesity Image Bank
You’ve done your best to manage your weight and build a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps you’ve revamped your nutrition habits or incorporated greater amounts of physical activity into your weekly routine. You might have even noticed smaller numbers on the scale or a difference in the way your clothes fit. You’ve made great progress — but what’s the reason for the sudden plateau in your weight management journey?
Why Does Our Weight Plateau?
A weight-loss plateau is a very common phenomenon that occurs when your body weight remains at the same level for a period of time. For many, this can be a very frustrating experience because of all the hard work that is being put in to reach your goals!
However, as you lose weight, your metabolism readjusts as a result of your body’s physiological changes. Consequently, doing the same thing you’ve been doing to lose the weight typically won’t continue to produce the same results, and further changes to your diet and exercise will need to be made in order to reach your goal.
Tips for Breaking through a Weight Plateau
Weight-loss plateaus can be tough to overcome, but there are a variety of simple ways to break through this difficult speed bump in your journey.
- Re-evaluate Your Calorie Intake – Weight-loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, so you want to make sure your calorie intake remains in sync with your exercise. Remember — your metabolism has likely decreased as a result of losing weight, so this accounts for the change in the way your body is burning fuel. Just be sure you’re providing it with ENOUGH of the fuel it needs!
- Re-examine Your Workouts – Your new body may be leaner, stronger and overall healthier, so it has likely adapted to the exercise you’ve been doing. A weight-loss plateau may mean it’s time to step it up a notch! For example: You may add some intensity, increase your workout’s longevity or target new areas of your body.
- Ensure You’re Getting Enough Rest – Adequate sleep not only burns calories, but it’s essential to maximizing your focus and energy levels. This may be the key ingredient you’ve been missing!
- Manage Stress – Without you even realizing it, stress may cause you to consume more calories or stall other areas of your weight management plan. Managing stress can help you take control over all aspects of your life.
- Assess Your Goals – Why are you striving to lose more weight? Is it to maximize your health or strive for a particular size? Knowing your goals can help you determine your target weight range, and that’s important for identifying the weight that your body is truly healthiest at.
Remember: weight plateaus happen to almost everyone on the journey with weight and health. They’re a normal part of the process and an indication that you’ve made great strides! If you continue to evaluate and adjust your goals, habits and lifestyle changes, you’ll see desired results!
