We all want quick results in life. Don’t we? Weight loss is no different. The moment we start a new diet or a weight loss plan, we all look for immediate results – a quick drop in some pounds, lost inches, loose clothes, and a lot of compliments! While we think weight loss to be a linear process, it is far from reality. Weight loss is a journey that’s divided into multiple stages. Understanding these stages is important to know what to expect during your weight loss journey. It will help you stay realistic, stick to your plan, and not lose hope – even when that stubborn weight refuses to budge.
This blog discusses the different stages of weight loss and how they affect your weight loss goals.
The 5 Stages of Losing Weight
Weight loss is usually divided into five main stages; each stage affects your weight differently.
Stage 1: Rapid Weight Loss
In the first few weeks of a weight loss journey, you’ll experience a quick drop in weight. That’s why, it is called the Rapid Weight Loss phase. However, most of this weight loss is due to loss of water weight and glycogen stores.
During this stage, the body undergoes significant changes as it adapts to a new diet and exercise regime, which leads to noticeable changes on the scale.
However, it is important to understand that this rapid weight loss is not sustainable. After the initial few weeks, your body will adjust to your new calorie intake and physical activity levels. The loss of water weight will slow down, and you will see a slower progression on the scale, and your body will enter the second stage of weight loss.
Stage 2: Steady Weight Loss
After the initial rapid weight loss phase, the journey progresses into the Steady Weight Loss stage. During this phase, the initial water weight and glycogen stores have already been depleted, and the body now relies more on fat stores for energy. This phase can last from a few to several months depending on how well you stick to your weight loss regime.
The weight loss continues at a more gradual but sustainable pace, and you may expect to lose about 1-2 pounds per week. The changes in your physical appearance become more evident and the habits developed in this stage will help in ongoing success.
Stage 3: Weight Loss Plateau
This is the toughest and the most dreaded phase of your weight loss journey, in which your scale just refuses to budge – despite all your efforts and strictly following your diet and exercise regime. This occurs because your body adapts to your new routine and caloric intake and makes it a ‘new normal’.
Your metabolism may slow down and the scale may not move for several weeks or even months. Other factors such as stress, sleep patterns, and muscle mass changes can contribute to hitting a plateau.
Crossing this phase often becomes difficult for most individuals as it requires readjusting or diversifying your diet and exercise regime to meet your body’s new caloric requirements. Consulting a board-certified obesity medicine physician like Dr. Lala is highly recommended as she can assess and readjust your caloric intake and exercise routine to put your body out of its routine.
Stage 4: Reaching Your Goal
After successfully navigating the weight loss plateau, you enter the fourth phase in which your body efficiently burns fat. During this phase, you edge closer to your target weight and a healthier you. It is a period marked by a slower, more steady weight loss as the body fine-tunes itself to its new regime.
Stage 5: Maintenance Stage
After you have reached your target weight, you now enter the maintenance phase in which your primary goal is to maintain your lost weight through healthy eating and lifestyle practices. Therefore, during this phase, you must shift your focus from the numbers on the scale to ensuring overall health and well-being.
Weight management involves balancing caloric intake with physical activity, managing stress, and staying motivated without the immediate goal of weight loss. It is crucial for long-term health. After all, regaining lost weight can be disheartening. It may also negate the health benefits achieved.
Partnering with a weight loss physician is more important than ever as a healthcare provider can help you adopt sustainable lifestyle practices so that your weight stays off and you continue to enjoy improved health and well-being.
Benefits of Partnering with Experts
The weight loss journey is full of ups and downs and the key to losing weight is staying motivated. A certified physician can not only help you adopt a healthy lifestyle but also stay on track even when the progress is slow or has completely stalled. With guided nutrition, monitored progress, and tailored lifestyle practices, a certified obesity medicine physician like Dr. Mona Lala can help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals effectively.
Ready to take control of your health and achieve lasting weight loss? Schedule a consultation with us and let us guide you every step of the way. Contact us today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!
