Why Weight Loss Can Plateau

A weight-loss plateau is when the longer-term trend on the scale stops moving much after an earlier fall. It can happen for several reasons. It does not mean you have failed, and it does not show that you need a particular product or treatment.

What does “plateau” actually mean?

Body weight naturally moves up and down. One unchanged reading, or a few days with little change, is not necessarily a plateau. The longer-term trend matters more.

A scale also cannot explain why the trend has changed. By itself, it cannot show what is happening to body fat, muscle, fitness or wellbeing.

Why can progress slow over time?

The body is not a fixed calculator. Food intake, energy use, appetite, activity, behaviour and the food around us can all affect weight over time.

Research models show why one change in food intake may not produce the same rate of weight loss forever. As body weight changes, energy needs and other parts of the system can change too. These models describe broad patterns. They cannot explain one person’s plateau.

What has been observed in human research?

One two-year study followed 143 healthy adults without obesity who took part in a calorie-restriction program. Most were women. Their average age was 38, and their average body mass index was 25.2 at the start.

Their weight fell before levelling later in the study. How closely they followed the planned restriction also changed over time. This means the plateau cannot be blamed on one biological cause alone.

This study cannot predict what will happen for everyone. The participants were healthy adults without obesity who received regular support. The analysis also focused on one group rather than comparing these changes with the control group.

Is there one best response to a plateau?

There is no single answer for everyone. Healthdirect advises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating for weight loss.

General advice is not a personal plan. A health professional may look at the measurements, recent changes, eating and activity patterns, medicines, health history and personal goals. The important factors will differ from person to person.

What are the limitations?

Weight research involves different people, time periods, support and measurements. Results from healthy volunteers may not apply to someone with a medical condition or a different starting point.

This article does not provide calorie targets, a diet, an exercise plan, a diagnosis or a target weight. A plateau also cannot be blamed automatically on age, one hormone or a single “metabolic” problem.

When should you discuss it with a professional?

If you are worried about your weight, eating pattern or health, speak with a doctor or accredited practising dietitian. They can help you understand the overall pattern. Unexpected or unexplained weight change should also be discussed with a qualified health professional.

References

• Kevin D. Hall. “Predicting metabolic adaptation, body weight change, and energy intake in humans.” American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2010;298(3):E449-E466. DOI. Free full text. The research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the US National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The author declared no conflicts of interest.
• James L. Dorling et al. “Changes in body weight, adherence, and appetite during 2 years of calorie restriction: the CALERIE 2 randomized clinical trial.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2020;74:1210-1220. DOI. Free full text. The work was supported by US National Institutes of Health grants. The authors declared no conflict of interest.
• Healthdirect Australia. Weight loss and dieting. Last reviewed August 2024.

This article provides general health information. It is not medical advice and does not recommend a product, diet or treatment. Personal decisions should be made with a qualified professional who can assess your circumstances.