You've worked hard to improve your eating habits, using an easy weight loss program or weight loss products, and exercise regularly. Fo...
You've worked hard to improve your eating habits, using an easy weight loss program or weight loss products, and exercise regularly. For months, you saw the number on the scale drop and rewarded yourself. Then suddenly, for no reason, the progress stops… even though you’re doing all the same things. This is what is called a weight loss plateau.
At our medical weight loss clinics and Orange County medical weight loss centers, we see this all the time. In fact, it’s very normal for weight loss to slow or stop. This even happens to those using quick weight loss programs and FDA approved medical weight loss pills. However, if you understand the causes of a weight loss plateau, you can respond accordingly and stay on track with your easy weight loss program or quick weight loss plan.
Why do we plateau?
Whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic, weight loss products or even FDA approved medical weight loss pills, the progression from the start of your weight loss to a plateau follows a pattern. When calories are reduced, the body releases glycogen, a carbohydrate found in the muscles and liver, to burn for energy. Glycogen retains water, so when it’s used for energy, it also releases the water, resulting in water weight loss. The plateau occurs because your metabolism slows as you lose muscle (which happens to everyone losing weight, whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic or not). To continue losing weight, you need to increase exercise or lower your caloric consumption. Even if you’re using medical diet pills or one of our quick weight loss programs, you must change your approach.
Whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic, weight loss products or even FDA approved medical weight loss pills, the progression from the start of your weight loss to a plateau follows a pattern. When calories are reduced, the body releases glycogen, a carbohydrate found in the muscles and liver, to burn for energy. Glycogen retains water, so when it’s used for energy, it also releases the water, resulting in water weight loss. The plateau occurs because your metabolism slows as you lose muscle (which happens to everyone losing weight, whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic or not). To continue losing weight, you need to increase exercise or lower your caloric consumption. Even if you’re using medical diet pills or one of our quick weight loss programs, you must change your approach.
How do we overcome a plateau?
Essentially, you'll need to adjust your weight loss program or quick weight loss plan. Start by reducing your intake by 200 calories, as long as this doesn't put you below 1,200 calories (anything lower that that actually increase hunger and thus the risk of overeating, even if you’re using appetite suppressants or weight loss products).
Essentially, you'll need to adjust your weight loss program or quick weight loss plan. Start by reducing your intake by 200 calories, as long as this doesn't put you below 1,200 calories (anything lower that that actually increase hunger and thus the risk of overeating, even if you’re using appetite suppressants or weight loss products).
It may be time to up the ante on your workout. Increase the amount of time you spend by 15 to 30 minutes, as well as the intensity. This will enable you to burn more calories. Increase your amount of general physical activity overall, by doing more yard work, housework or by walking and riding your bicycle to errands.
If your efforts to overcome a weight loss plateau aren't working, visit one of the physicians at our Orange County medical weight loss center or one of our other medical weight loss centers to learn about other strategies, medical weight loss or a quick weight loss plan that may work for you. Make sure your weight loss goal is healthy and realistic—don’t go overboard!
Get support and info about medical weight loss programs, medical diet pills and Orange County weight loss program at our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to find a location near you.
