But everyone hits a weight loss plateau at some point, no matter which weight loss intervention they use.
Human brains are hardwired to prevent starvation, he added.
Thats when you achieve a new plateau, Ard said.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
The things that led to weight loss now only cause you to stay stable.
People can get frustrated with that if it happens before they hit a target weight goal.
What Causes a Weight Loss Plateau?
Thompson said weight loss isnt perfectly linear, and its normal for weight to fluctuate slightly day-to-day.
A true plateau will occur when body weight stays steady over several weeks rather than a couple of days.
People lose weight in a calorie deficit, meaning they consume fewer calories than they burn over time.
But GLP-1 and GIP are just two of eight hormones that control hunger and weight.
When Does a Weight Loss Plateau Usually Happen?
Its not possible to predict when, exactly, someone will hit a plateau.
However, treatments that cause the greatest weight loss seem to have a longer-lasting impact, Ard said.
Not everyone will respond to the same medication to the same degree.
Some people are so-called super responders to semaglutide and can lose lots of weight on the smallest dose.
Importantly, just because you stop losing weight while taking a GLP-1 doesnt mean its stopped working.
In fact, consistently taking the drug is important for keeping the body in equilibrium.
Even modest weight loss can lead to significant health benefits.
Losing 15% of body weight is the sweet spot, Aronne said.
Thats the point at which people tend to reap most of the health benefits of obesity treatment.
You dont have to get to your ideal weight to improve your health, Aronne said.
What Can You Do If You Hit a Weight Loss Plateau?
Eating well and exercising consistently can make a big difference in how great and sustained your weight loss is.
Sometimes, when people lose a lot of weight quickly, its because theyre dumping muscle, Thompson said.
Muscle is a metabolically active tissue, meaning it helps keep metabolism high and control blood sugar.
You have to be in it for the long haul, he added.
Slow and steady wins the race here.
You want that weight to come off slow and keep going.
2016;28(3):1036-1045. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.1036
