Handout M02 - Handling Weight Plateaus
When losing weight, it is common to have plateaus or times when you can’t seem to lose any more weight. Research suggests that our bodies will try to maintain a specific weight or “set point.” This set point can make getting over a plateau difficult.

Here are tips that can help with managing plateaus:
  • Plateaus are often temporary.
    Stay with your program and you should start losing again.
  • Try increasing your physical activity.
    Add a few additional minutes or steps, increase intensity (for example, add some hills to your walk), or mix up your physical activity (for example, add a new exercise like hiking or tennis). Add strength training or switch from moderate to vigorous physical activity.
  • Weigh yourself every day. 
  • If you haven’t been writing down what you eat for a while, start again.
    You may discover that extra calories have crept into your diet plan.
  • Plateaus make you feel like giving up. Remember how much work you have done to get where you are now. Don’t lose ground. Push a little harder to keep moving past the plateau. Contact your MOVE!® team. They want to help you reach your goals!
  • Weight loss medications are available.
    These can complement your dietary and physical activity program.