After an initial weight loss success with medications like Ozempic, many individuals experience a slowdown in progress—an occurrence known as a weight loss plateau. This phenomenon often puzzles users who anticipate continuous weight reduction. Experts provide insights into why this happens and what can be done to overcome it.
Ozempic, along with Wegovy, are medications based on semaglutide, offering an innovative approach to weight loss by simulating a hormone that induces a feeling of fullness and slows digestion. These medications have shown promise in helping individuals achieve weight losses of up to 15%. However, despite initial success, users frequently encounter a plateau where weight reduction halts unless further interventions are implemented.
Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center, notes that such plateaus, typically occurring after a year, are common even with traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise. As weight loss progresses, the body naturally seeks to maintain calorie reserves, slowing further loss. Emphasizing this, Dr. Ali explains that as individuals approach a healthy weight, the body’s preservation mechanisms kick in, causing a plateau.
According to Dr. Jason Ng, MD, from the University of Pittsburgh, this plateau happens when energy consumption aligns with expenditure. At the beginning of any weight loss journey, the body’s need for energy is met through alternate sources like glycogen, leading to weight reduction. However, as more weight is lost, the body’s metabolism adjusts, eventually matching the reduced energy intake, resulting in a plateau.
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For those frustrated by the lack of progress, Dr. Ng suggests altering the energy balance once more by adjusting diet or exercise routines. This could mean either increasing physical activity or cutting down further on calorie intake to stimulate weight loss again.
When expectations exceed the reality of what is healthy, the problem intensifies. Dr. Ali highlights the issue of focusing excessively on scales, advising patients to prioritize health over weight numbers. Improvements in body composition, better fitting clothes, and enhanced well-being are often more significant indicators of health than a fluctuating scale.
In some cases, a plateau can lead clinicians to consider stronger medication doses or alternative options. The dosing of semaglutide is patient-specific, beginning at a low level and increasing as needed. However, once the maximum dose does not yield further results, other medications might be explored. Alternatives like tirzepatide, known for its dual hormone action, have shown greater potential for sustained weight loss, although long-term safety remains uncertain.
The use of semaglutide and similar medications may require lifetime commitment, presenting a new challenge. As Dr. Ali explains, while semaglutide has been available since 2017 with minimal adverse effects, the long-term impacts are still unknown. Individuals considering these drugs must acknowledge this uncertainty, particularly if they may need to use the medication for decades.
The decision to use medications like Ozempic often depends on an individual’s body mass index (BMI) and overall health. Dr. Ali suggests surgical interventions for individuals with a BMI of 40 or more, while those with a BMI between 30 and 35 may benefit more from medications, especially if they cannot undergo surgery. This helps guide patients in understanding when medication might be appropriate for their weight loss journey.
Weight loss plateau with drugs like Ozempic is a well-documented phase where weight reduction stalls. Understanding the body’s adaptive mechanisms helps in managing expectations and strategizing further interventions. With ongoing medical advancements, alternative treatments are becoming available, offering hope to those seeking significant weight loss results.
