Weight-Loss Plateaus: How to Identify and Overcome Them

As you work towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle after recovering from bariatric surgery, you may face some challenges along the way. No weight-loss journey is the same, and there can be ups and downs as you find the solutions that work best for you. Weight-loss plateaus are one obstacle you may encounter. In this article, you’ll find out how to identify and get through weight-loss plateaus.

Weight-Loss Plateau Identification

The first step towards getting back on track with your goals is identification. Once you recognize you’re in a weight-loss plateau, you can work on adding strategies to get through them to your routine. 

Although weight loss can eb and flow, most people can expect to see some movement within a three-week timeframe. If your weight stays the same for longer than three weeks, you are generally considered to be in a weight-loss plateau. 

This is a common occurrence, and it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t give up on your healthy lifestyle changes if you run into a weight-loss plateau. 

Weight-Loss Plateau Tips

There are many methods to get through this challenge. The best way to find the right solution for you is to research different strategies and pick the one that will fit your individual lifestyle. You might have to try more than one to get the results you want. Here are some tips to help you overcome various obstacles to your weight loss:

Vary Your Workouts 

Exercise is an important part of any healthy weight-loss plan. Individuals often find one workout routine that they’re comfortable with and then continue to use it for months without making any adjustments. Your body can easily get used to your workouts, making them less effective. 

Try adding in new fitness moves, increasing the intensity of your workout, exercising for a longer period, or adding some variation between your cardio and muscle building exercises to get through a plateau. 

Monitor Your Diet

Diet is another important part of meeting weight-loss goals, especially after bariatric surgery. Eating too much, not eating enough, or not eating the right kinds of foods can all be barriers to weight-loss. 

Keeping a food journal or using a nutrition app can help you track what you’re eating and make necessary changes to get out of a weight-loss plateau. It is also important to work in partnership with your doctor to ensure your body is getting the nutrients to sustain your weight loss. 

Reduce Stress 

High stress levels can contribute to weight-loss plateaus by increasing the amount of cortisol in the body. High cortisol makes it harder for the body to lose weight. Stress management strategies like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help you reduce stress and move forward. 

Consider Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is another tip. When you don’t sleep enough, it’s harder for the body to lose fat. Research recommends a minimum of 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night to promote overall health.

Get Help With Your Weight-Loss Plateau

If you find yourself stuck in a weight-loss plateau after bariatric surgery and want more information on how to get through it, Wellstar Bariatrics can help. We’re committed to supporting you before, during, and after surgery, and helping you find healthy lifestyle solutions that work for you. Contact us today to find out more.