What is a Weight Loss Plateau?

Diet & Weight Loss Tips, Diet Advice, Diet Article

Often times, a dieter will experience steady weight loss then suddenly, weight loss stalls out. This may last only a few days, or many weeks.

The term commonly used to define this type of dieter's situation is the weight loss plateau.

Because weight loss is at a stand still, weight loss plateaus are often the reason that many dieters get discouraged and quit their diet. They work hard to lose weight and somewhere along the way they realize they have struggled to climb up a steep hillside and are residing on the weight loss plateau. When they try to go down and cross the plateau to continue their weight loss journey, it's like they are blocked. And not in just one spot; there are road blocks everywhere!

If the dieter is patient, rewards in the way of weight loss will be substantial. But unfortunately, weight loss plateaus are a chief reason why dieters backtrack and get off their diet plans.

So why is the diet plan suddenly locked in limbo?

A weight loss plateau is simply the body's way of saying, "Hey. I need you to stop and rest here while I catch up. All these wonderful things that you're doing lately have me working overtime. And no - I don't need you to stop eating healthy or to stop exercising. I just need you to please be patient so that I can bring the weight down slowly. I can't do it too quickly or we would be in big major medical trouble. So again, continue as you are and don't get peeved at me. I'm doing the best that I can and just need a little more time to balance the body."

Understanding how weight loss works and what you should expect gives a dieter an advantage. Staying on course renders impressive weight loss results. And the great thing is that although it may seem like a long time, weight loss plateaus don't last forever.

Back to Diet Q & A

Return to Homepage  |  Master Site Map  |  Site Disclaimer