What is a weight loss plateau?

A weight loss plateau is a temporary pause in progress when the scale stays at the same mark for several weeks, despite maintaining a calorie deficit and continuing to work out. This is a natural defensive reaction of the body to restrictions, which almost everyone faces on their way to a leaner physique.

The main causes of a plateau are metabolic adaptation, in which the body reduces its baseline energy expenditure, temporary water retention in muscle tissues after workouts, and an unnoticeable increase in daily caloric intake due to calculation errors.

To overcome this phase, experts recommend using a few proven practical steps. First of all, it is necessary to carefully recalculate your daily calorie intake taking into account your changed weight, since a slimmer body requires less energy.

It also helps to radically change your usual workout routine, add new types of activities, or increase everyday movement. In some cases, an effective measure is a short-term diet break lasting one to two weeks, when calorie intake is raised to the maintenance level, which helps to jump-start the metabolism.

The most important thing during this period is to be patient and keep following your chosen path, as a plateau is always followed by a further decrease in weight if the calorie deficit is observed correctly.