Are You in a Weight Loss Plateau? 5 Reasons Why the Scale is Stuck

(StatePoint) So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight loss program. But once you got started, it was a whole different story. While you may feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss journey, but there are many reasons for them. Check out these six reasons why the scale may be stuck:

1. Overeating. Weight loss is dependent on “calories in” being lower than “calories out.” Eating too much for your current activity level and weight could be a reason why the scale is stuck. “Meal delivery programs can help eliminate any guesswork,” says nutrition expert Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “Plans like Nutrisystem are perfectly portioned to provide the right balance of nutrients at every meal. The program boasts SmartAdapt science, which provides personalized plans that adapt to your unique metabolism and weight loss goals and help minimize plateaus.”

2. Not Keeping Track. Overeating, skipping meals and portion control can all be eased if you get more diligent with food tracking.

Take it from the experts: According to research published in the journal “Obesity,” self-monitoring your diet is the number one predictor of weight loss success, and it takes less than 15 minutes each day.

Try tracking your diet at least 80% of the time or at least five to six days of the week. Be sure to include all eating occasions (even nibbling), portion sizes and ingredients. This way, when the scale is stuck, you can evaluate where you may be overdoing it. The NuMi app by Nutrisystem is a useful tool to keep your meal plan organized.

3. Skimping on Protein and Fiber. Try maximizing protein and fiber in your diet. “Protein helps preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight to help maintain metabolic rate. Also, protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer. What’s more, protein is more thermogenic than carbohydrates and fats -- meaning you’ll burn more calories digesting and absorbing high-protein foods. Fiber isn’t fully digested, so the calorie contribution from fiber is less than other carb sources,” adds Mohr.

4. Increasing Muscle. If you’ve been hitting the gym and putting on muscle, you might also experience a stall on the scale. Find other measures of success in the meantime. For example, your jeans may be fitting better or you may have more energy. These non-scale victories are just as valuable as a number on the scale.

5. Other Lifestyle Factors. Lack of sleep can disrupt weight loss. The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Limit caffeine and screen-time in the hours before bed. The light emitted by screens on electronic devices reduce your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep and wake cycle, according to Harvard Health. You can also try a before bed exercise routine.

Did you know that chronic stress can halt weight loss? Address your stress with self-care. Try meditation, daily exercise and breathing techniques. You should also seek out a support system and engage in your community. Feeling overly stressed? Be sure to speak with your doctor.

6. Illness or Injury. A recent illness or injury can cause increased inflammation that results in water retention. Additionally, injury or illness can decrease daily activity and overall calories burned. Some medications may also stall weight loss. Keep in mind that your overall health should always take precedence over the number on the scale. Consult your doctor. It may mean modifying your weight loss program temporarily. This setback is not the end of your journey though. Once you’ve recovered, you should be able to start where you left off, pending your doctor’s approval.

“Ultimately, your goals should be realistic. Don’t expect the pounds to fall off instantly. Have patience and give yourself some grace. If you’re doing the work, that’s all that matters,” says Mohr.


More Resources

Eating Sensibly, Working Out and Still Not Achieving Your Goals?
Are you working hard in the gym 3 times a week, eating sensibly but still struggling to lose that weight or change your body shape?Have you previously lost weight by starting to exercise and watching what you eat, only to continue gaining fat despite sticking to your programme?If this sounds familiar, there are a couple of things you should take a closer look at?1.The components of your exercise programme2.
Weight Loss Surgery: Successful Patients Embrace Four Stages of Growth
Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is often viewed as a quick fix for morbid obesity. One day a person is fat, the next they are not.
To Diet or not to Diet, That Should Be The Question!
Diet information is everywhere. In advertisements, on TV, in magazines; the bookstores are crammed with books on many different diet options - The South Beach Diet, The Atkins Diet, Weight Watchers, The Cabbage Soup Diet.
The Pain of Instant Gratification
What a great world we live in. You want something, you get it! You need something, you buy it! You don't have money, you charge it!You don't deny yourself anything??do you? Why should you? If it feels good -do it!Right?WRONG!As we have found out over the years, feeling good and being good for you are two different things.
Signature Lines on Weight Loss Websites
A reader recently wrote to ask why I don't include my weight statistics in my signature line. A great observation and excellent question.
Solution to Obesity
First of all we need to find out a reason for this growing mountain of fat that is killing us.We know now that the traditional explanation - that of overeating - is wrong.
Weight Loss Problems - Or is it a Self Image Problem?
Some of you will not like what I have to say, even though it is the truth. And that may be where the problem of American's health problems lies.
Benefits Of Exercise Videos For Weight Loss
I asked my sister to come to my gym with a guest pass. She replied something to the effect of "I am in no shape to go to the gym".
Study Finds Healthy Mouth - Healthy Body Relationship
According to a new study appearing in the American Journal of Periodontology, researchers have found a significant correlation between healthy eating and healthy gums. Specifically, those people who were not overweight, consumed a nutritious diet, and regularly exercised with moderate intensity were 40% less likely to suffer from gum disease.
Lose the Weight for GOOD - Nothing to Lose or EVERYTHING to Lose?
Some of you will not like what I'm going to say, even though it is the truth. That may be where the issue of America's health problems lies.
Overweight? - 5 Tips to Enhance Your Sex Drive
You could try one of the many sexual enhancement drugs available today. You could sign up for very expensive workshops and retreats.
Say Goodbye to the Dreaded Weight Loss Plateau
Dieters dread the plateau. You're on a roll, losing weight steadily and happily for weeks.
Take The Die out Of Dieting - Tips For Stress Free Weight Loss
Not so resolved on that "New Year's Resolution" to be in shape this year? Not quite in the body that you wanted to spend this summer in? Are you sick of counting carb grams and worrying about all of the foods that you "can't eat" ? If You are tired of losing the same weight over and over, and feeling like a failure because your last "diet" didn't work, try these tips to not only lose weight, but lose it for good. I have watched hundreds of clients over the years and almost without exception, those that lose their weight once and for all have mastered these tips and made their weight loss Stress Free? Be Responsible for What You Eat -Studies show that people who are 20 or more pounds overweight underestimate their caloric intake by up to 1000 calories per day, while people of a normal weight under estimate by only several hundred, There are 2 main culprits for this.
Fad Diets, And Why Theyre Bad For Your Weight Loss And Long Term Health
If you're serious about losing weight and getting fit, you probably can't go a week without hearing about the latest fad diet, and why you should drop what you're doing to buy the book. Each new diet gives us proof that fad diets aren't all that they're cracked up to be.
Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out
Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and now want healthy choices whether eating at home or at their favorite restaurants. Luckily, the restaurant industry has been quick to accommodate the demand, so you'll find you have many options to "eat healthy" these days.
The Ultimate Weight Loss Red-Flag Guide
Weight Loss Red Flag GuideDespite claims to the contrary, there are no magic potions or effortless ways to burn off fat. There are thousands upon thousands of weight loss web sites, low carb diets, diet pills and other "so-called experts" that prey on desperate overweight people and use overly optimistic claims that get you to believe and buy into their flat out lies -- reaping billions of dollars each year while your left still overweight and looking for answers.
7 Reasons Low Carb Diets are Wrong
The human body is designed to run best on a certain type and balance of fuel. Unfortunately the latest low-carbohydrate fad diets are not fuel that the human body was designed to run on.
The French Fry: Weapon of Mass Destruction?
Americans have their French fries, the British have their chips, Latin America has its papas fritas, and the French have their pommes-frites.We love them.
I Think I Have an Eating Disorder and Want to Stop
An eating disorder is a life threatening condition that often requires professional assistance and support to overcome. If you think you have an eating disorder it is critical that you seek out the help and support you need to overcome your condition.
Overcoming Secretive Eating
Finally - you are alone. No one else is around.

More Weight Loss Information:

Related Articles

What Obesity Debate?
This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss "experts" can confuse and harm the American consumer..
How to Burn Pure Fat and Lose Weight More Quickly
If you're trying lose weight, maintain your weight, or sculpt your body, than you're probably trying to discover how to burn pure fat. You want to know what you can do to make your body burn fat faster and more efficiently.
Eating Out
I know how difficult it can be do stick to a healthy diet when trying to eat out. Here are some tips that might prevent you from totally "blowing it" the next time you dine out.
Gastric Bypass Myth - All Patients Stretch their Stomachs and Regain Weight
Have a conversation about gastric bypass surgery with just about anyone and you will hear, "Yeah, I know someone who had that done and within a year they stretched out their stomach and regained all that weight - plus some."Unfortunately it is true that some weight loss surgery (WLS) patients do regain their weight after losing it.
Slimmer Legs... Stress-Free
Well, with the success of my article, "Wrinkle Remover That WORKS!!", I realize that there is a really strong interest in getting information that is going to do something for you, rather than generalities that come under the "same old thing" category. And, as you know if you read the article, we found a great and effective cream that does a knockout job of actually reducing wrinkles.
7 Ways to Stop Nighttime Snacking in Front of the TV
Stop Being Influenced by Food Ads on TVThere is much in the news today about obesity and you can be assured that the food industry fully intends to place the blame squarely on the individual, despite the fact they spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year in an effort to entice us to buy more and more of their products. Children are especially vulnerable to the advertising for cereals, snack bars, crackers, cookies, candy, and fast foods.
Weight Loss Frustrations? Slippery Slopes - One Fall And Down You May Go!
If you have ever been snow skiing you know that one wrong move, one glance away or one split second of lost focus may get you in a heap of trouble. The hard part comes trying to stop the slide down the slope.
Determine Your Stage and Plot Your Weight Loss Course
We all know that losing weight and improving your overall fitness are things that don't happen overnight. But, did you know in order to be truly successful that important steps need to be taken before you even start a diet or exercise program? The first thing you should do is identify where you fall on the behavioral change spectrum.
Weighing in on Weight Loss
Dieters have long searched for secret paths to easy weight loss. Soon enough, anyone trying to lose weight will discover a mind-boggling variety of weight loss plans, even some that appear to contradict others.
Staying Toned After Weight Loss
Staying Toned After Weight Loss----------------------------------------Following significant weight loss, it is vital to have an exercise routine to keep your muscles firm and help to tighten the skin. One of the biggest drawbacks to significant weight loss is the flabby skin that is visible that often can take months to disappear.
Are Fruits Making You FAT?
I want to make this perfectly clear, fruits are healthy and they are good for you. They are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
Weight Loss Surgery: Benefits and Risks
You may be considering weight loss surgery if you are overweight or obese. For many people, surgical weight reduction is one of the only viable ways to lose a significant amount of weight and enjoy better health.
Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #6
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. You're embarking on your own journey and you astound me because you want something more, something that surpasses what you currently know.
Why Are There Different Diet Types?
Diet is a dreadful word for most of us because it will mean food deprivation. This is especially so for those who love to eat, hearing this word seems like asking them to commit suicide.
Forget All About That Calorie Counting Crap And Learn How To Lose Some Weight!
That's a pretty "in your face" statement, but really it's frustrating for me to see and hear all the different admonitions coming at me from sources I am not absolutely convinced have this whole thing nailed down tight.For example, when I'm in the dressing room at the pool, I'll hear discussed all kinds of complicated systems involving a myriad of vitamins and health foods.
The Diet Pill They Don't Want You to Have is Back
It comes as a surprise to many consumers that the ban on Ephedra, a powerful weight loss supplement was lifted in April of 2005. A Utah Judge overturned the FDA's decision to ban the natural substance.
Four Steps to Hunger Control
Axiom Number Two: Hunger ControlTrying to lose weight without understanding how to controlyour hunger -impossible. Probably the main reason so manydiets fail is because they ignore hunger.
The Beginners Guide to Losing Weight
So you've decided that you're going to do it.You're sick and tired of being sick and tired and are once and for allhell bent on losing weight.
The Great 8 Eating Tips for Fast Weight Loss @ Body Perfect Fitness
Low Carb, Low Fat, More protein, Eat all the fat you want..
What You Need to Know Before Starting a Low Carb Diet
In the last 12 months or so, low carbohydrate diets have captured the hearts and weight loss hopes of the American public. And why not? These diets promise quick weight loss and the ability to keep eating fatty foods.