That DANG last 10 lbs

rileamoyer

From Every Day Health newsletter: Help Getting over Weight Loss Plateau

Q: I've been following a 1,200-calorie diet for four months, and have been walking six miles (at 3.5 mph) every day. I recently started riding a stationary bike for 60 minutes (at 16 mph) per day, too. I've lost 37 pounds and cannot seem to lose that last 10 pounds.

— Sandy, Missouri
A:
Great job losing 37 pounds! You are not alone about those last 10 pounds — many people find it the hardest to lose because this when your body fights you the most. You are on a weight-loss plateau, where your body has decreased resting energy expenditure and decreased thyroid hormone secretion to try and stop the weight loss, and your leptin levels are low so you are probably hungry. However, this is the time to keep doing what you are doing and you will win out. Don't despair, as your body cannot hold out much longer. Continue the 1,200-calorie diet and all that exercise and those last 10 pounds will come off as well. Remember that once you are at your goal weight, in order to keep it off forever you will likely have to work out 60 to 90 minutes most days of the week. Not so bad, though — it should make you feel good to work out, as long as you are doing something you enjoy, like walking or biking. And the 60 to 90 minutes does not have to be done all at once or even at a gym or on a machine. The activities can be raking, dancing, cleaning, and other fun activities. Keep up the strong work!

Learn more in the Everyday Health Diet and Nutrition Center.

DakotaKeogh

Thanks for sharing this. I am in the final 10 battle myself and have been for a while. But, this article is true. The first of the final 10 disappeared just in time for Christmas. Nine more to go.