Help - Need Verification/Validation

Hello,

I'm not expert, but I have been doing some reading about this topic. When I did an online search I found several websites that have what appears to be helpful information.

The following is from the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss-plateau/MY01152/NSECTIONGROUP=2)

Reassess your habits. Look back at your food and activity records. Make sure you haven't loosened the rules, letting yourself get by with larger portions or less exercise.

Cut more calories. Reduce your daily calorie intake by 200 calories — provided this doesn't put you below 1,200 calories. Fewer than 1,200 calories a day may not be enough to keep you from feeling hungry all of the time, which increases your risk of overeating.

Rev up your workout. Increase the amount of time you exercise by an additional 15 to 30 minutes. You might also try increasing the intensity of your exercise, if you feel that's possible. Additional exercise will cause you to burn more calories.

Pack more activity into your day. Think outside the gym. Increase your general physical activity throughout the day by walking more and using your car less, or try doing more yardwork or vigorous spring cleaning.

Webmd has an article available at this link: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-ways-to-move-beyond-a-weight-loss-plateau


Hope this is of some help to you.
:-) Cheryl

I just found an article on this by a dietitian. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56582

Apparently as weight drops, your calorie needs drop or your exercise needs increase. I guess it's like what Weight Watchers does. As you drop weight, they drop the number of points you get. Makes sense.

Here's what the article says:

According to the experts, hitting these plateaus is nothing unusual. As your weight drops and your body composition changes, so do your nutritional needs. There are several reasons why your weight can hit a plateau:

-As your weight goes down, you not only lose fat but also a small amount of muscle. It's estimated that up to 25% of the body tissue lost during weight loss comes from muscle. Since muscle is critical to keeping your metabolism perking, losing it can reduce your metabolic rate and hinder weight loss. Strength training can help preserve and build muscle to get your metabolism humming again.
- The set point theory alleges that your body naturally tries to maintain a certain weight where it is most comfortable. If you find yourself stuck at the same weight time and again, you may have reached the comfort zone. Reducing much further typically results in regaining weight.
- You may need fewer calories or more physical activity to sustain your lower weight. This is the most likely cause of a weight-loss plateau. Further, it's almost impossible to lose much weight without exercising. Many scientists agree that whether you exercise is the best way to predict whether you'll successfully maintain your weight.
-Other factors that can influence weight loss include thyroid or adrenal gland problems, medications you're taking, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and quitting smoking.

But more than likely, your weight is at a plateau because your portion sizes have crept up, and/or your workouts have decreased in intensity or frequency. You also may be indulging in high-calorie foods more often.

Doug, I was around 300 lbs.and lost really fast for a few months and then hit a plateau and didn't lose an ounce for three months. Your body has to adjust and it can take a few days to a few weeks. The secret is to eat right and exercise and do not give up or get discouraged. You will lose the weight if you continue on this healthy path you have chosen.