If you have been taking semaglutide for weight loss and have reached a plateau, here are some tips that might help:
1. Evaluate your diet: You may have hit a plateau because you are no longer in a caloric deficit. Evaluate your diet and make sure you are still eating at a caloric deficit. Consider reducing your portion sizes or cutting back on certain foods that may be adding unnecessary calories such as alcohol.
2. Increase your physical activity: Incorporating more physical activity into your routine can help you break through a weight loss plateau. Consider adding more cardio or strength training to your routine.
3. Speak with your provider if you have hit a plateau with semaglutide. They may recommend adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication.
4. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to weight loss. Make sure you are taking your semaglutide as prescribed and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine. Any lapses in consistency can jeopardize your results.
5. Be patient: Weight loss plateaus are common and can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and stick with your plan. Remember that weight loss is a journey, and it may take time to see results.
The main reason you’ll experience a weight loss plateau is down to your body’s ‘set point’. Your set point is your body’s desired fat levels stored within the body; when you lose weight, your brain responds by lowering your metabolism and trying to store fat. This will slow down your weight loss, but over time, your set point will fall, and you’ll continue losing weight.
We often expect weight loss to be a linear journey to the bottom, but you’ll have variations in your weight – this is perfectly natural and normal. Weight loss plateaus may last anywhere between 8-12 weeks.
Having a weight-loss plateau is an absolute certainty if you’re currently on your weight-loss journey. You’ll probably have many plateaus. However, it’s important to understand that this is a normal and expected part of losing weight over the long term and remain consistent with your efforts.
What happens after the program?
It is important to remember that semaglutide is not a magic pill and that weight loss requires commitment and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. These programs are designed to help you get a jump-start on losing weight, help improve blood sugar, metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, improve lipid levels, A1-C, and target fat loss and oxidation. Integrating healthy lifestyle changes is ultimately what will help keep your weight off. Patients should work closely with their provider to determine the appropriate taper dose and duration of semaglutide treatment for their individual needs, and to develop a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise.
