What to Do If You Hit a Weight Loss Plateau

Hitting a plateau after losing weight steadily can be extremely discouraging. But it is normal, and it doesn’t have to altogether derail your progress. In this post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas, a Sydney bariatric surgeon, offers tips for overcoming a weight loss plateau.

Look at the Whole Picture

The number on the scale is only one piece of the puzzle. Are you losing inches in your waist, chest, hips, biceps or thighs? How do your clothes fit? Has your body fat percentage changed? It’s possible that you aren’t seeing your weight change because you are gaining lean muscle (which weighs more than fat) and losing fat.

Switch Up Your Exercise Routine

A stall or plateau in your weight loss is a good opportunity to reevaluate and switch up your exercise routine. Change the type or intensity of your workouts to see if you can break through the plateau.

Get More Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is important to your weight loss goals; it gives you the energy to exercise and it helps you overcome food cravings. When we are fatigued, we are more likely to indulge in cravings or skip a workout. If your weight has stalled, make sure you aren’t shortchanging yourself on sleep — aim for at least eight hours a night.

Look for Support

When facing a plateau, it can be very helpful to have the support of a professional or a peer that understands what you are going through. Whether you lean on your bariatric support group, a friend or loved one, or your bariatric surgeon, they can help you avoid becoming discouraged.

Track Your Food Intake

If you haven’t been tracking your food intake, this is a good time to start. Tracking your meals and snacks helps make you more aware of what you eat, and helps you to think twice when making decisions about food.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Don’t let a plateau get you down. They are normal and happen to nearly everyone at some point after weight loss surgery. Keep up a good attitude and reframe your plateau as an opportunity to reevaluate your routines and make positive changes!

Contact Advanced Surgicare

If you have questions about beating a plateau in your weight loss journey, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kuzinkovas today.