Studies have shown that achieving weight loss through a calorie deficit diet may not be a long-term solution due to the body’s natural response to losing weight, which leads to increased appetite. Research conducted by Kevin Hall at the National Institutes of Health has revealed that weight loss plateaus are a common occurrence, with different methods either extending or shortening the time it takes to reach a plateau.
To combat this issue, weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, as well as weight loss surgery, have been proven effective in delaying the onset of a weight loss plateau by curbing appetite and increasing caloric restriction. Typically, weight loss plateaus tend to occur around the one-year mark as the body’s appetite increases in response to weight loss, making it more challenging to continue losing weight.
This increase in appetite is the body’s way of trying to maintain a balance between the calories consumed and the calories burned. Weight loss surgery has been shown to have the most significant impact on reducing appetite, leading individuals to cut a substantial number of calories from their diets and reach their plateau later than those who solely follow calorie restriction.
When faced with a weight loss plateau, interventions such as increasing physical activity or further reducing calorie intake may be necessary to overcome the hurdle. In order to prevent weight regain after hitting a plateau, it is crucial to find a sustainable weight loss method that can be maintained in the long term. By understanding the science behind weight loss plateaus and implementing effective strategies, individuals can achieve their weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
