At some point in every weight loss journey, progress can seem to stall or plateau. This can be incredibly frustrating when you are working so hard and making changes to live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. GLP-1 medications can be instrumental in breaking through this plateau and driving further success. Additionally, working with a registered dietitian can be a game-changer in overcoming a weight loss stall.
Understanding Weight Loss Plateaus
A weight loss plateau occurs when weight loss slows or stops, even though you’re still eating well and exercising regularly. There are several reasons that this may happen:
- Body adaptation to a lower caloric intake
- Insufficient protein consumption
- Decreased metabolic rate
- Loss of muscle mass
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
How GLP-1 Medications Help Patients Overcome Plateaus
GLP-1 medications can help overcome this barrier by regulating appetite, increasing satiety, and improving insulin sensitivity. These benefits result in improved metabolic health and aid in weight loss. Appetite suppression and increased satiety makes it easier to stick to a calorie deficit, while regulated insulin levels helps maintain stable blood sugar, reducing cravings.
If you reach a plateau while you are on a GLP-1 medication, it is important to continue taking the medication. While it is frustrating to hit a plateau prior to reaching your goals, recognize that your body is simply adjusting to the changes you have made. It is essential to think beyond the scale and put efforts into your overall lifestyle. Remember, weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent changes often lead to more lasting results than large, inconsistent ones.
The role of a Registered Dietician in Breaking Through Plateaus
A registered dietitian can be an invaluable tool in overcoming a plateau. While you are taking a GLP-1 medication it is critical to consume enough protein. This ranges from 90-120g for women and 120g-150g for men.
Consulting with a Registered Dietitian helps address weight loss barriers by creating personalized meal plans that consider potential side effects, such as nausea or reduced appetite.
Additionally, a Registered Dietitian is helpful for monitoring progress, vetting protein sources and vetting supplements.
Combining GLP-1 Medications & a Registered Dietitian: A Powerful Partnership
At Premier Weight Loss, we’ve added a registered dietitian to our team as a tool to provide comprehensive support to our patients. Laura Goldman holds a FREE weekly webinar for our members, the webinar encompasses a 10–20-minute topical presentation followed by a 40-50 minute live Q&A session.
Individuals can also book a 1-on-1 session with Laura Goldman, virtual or in-person, at Premier Weight Loss. The price of a 1-on-1 session is $50 for 30 minutes or $100 for 60 minutes.
Combining GLP-1’s with expert nutritional guidance gives a great advantage to maximizing weight loss results. A dietitian, particularly one well-versed in weight loss and weight loss medications can tailor programs that align with the mechanisms of GLP-1 therapy and provide information that is vital for your journey. Furthermore, they also provide encouragement, support, accountability to help you achieve your goals.
Practical Tips to Get Back on Track
Re-evaluate caloric intake – While on GLP-1 medications, it is vital that you are consuming enough protein. During a plateau, it is possible that your body is adjusting to a lower caloric intake, and working with a dietitian can help evaluate and adjust your current intake needs.
Exercise – Regular exercise is key for weight loss success. More importantly, building muscle is the key to losing weight healthily and maintaining weight loss long term. Incorporating a consistent exercise routine can help break through a weight loss plateau.
Sleep – Don’t overlook sleep! Inadequate sleep affects appetite-regulating hormones, leading to increased cravings and snacking. Sufficient sleep helps regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy levels, supporting your weight loss efforts
Adding a Registered Dietitian – As mentioned, working with a dietitian is an excellent way to ensure you’re getting the proper nutrition to meet your weight loss goals.
Conclusion
Breaking through a weight loss plateau can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of the journey. GLP-1 medications can help regulate appetite and improve metabolic health which makes it easier to stay on track. However, combining this with the expertise of a registered dietitian can truly accelerate progress. By incorporating personalized nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep, you can overcome plateaus and continue making sustainable progress toward your goals. At Premier Weight Loss, we’ve added a registered dietitian to offer comprehensive support to our patients, helping you get back on track and achieve lasting success.
Related Reading
“New Year, New You: Start 2025 With A Weight Loss Transformation”
“Maintaining your Weight Loss: Tips For Long-Term Success”
Sources
- Affinity Whole Health. “Breaking Through the Weight Loss Plateau with GLP-1 Medications.” Affinity Whole Health. Available at: https://www.affinitywholehealth.com/blog/breaking-through-the-weight-loss-plateau-with-glp-1-medications.
- Verywell Health. “Weight Loss Plateau: How Ozempic and Wegovy Can Help.” Verywell Health. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/weight-loss-plateau-ozempic-wegovy-8580412.
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Nutrition Plan When on GLP-1 Medication.” Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Available at: https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/nutrition-plan-when-on-glp-1-medication.
- ScienceDirect. “The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Weight Management.” ScienceDirect. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368124000457.