Question:
I'm 4.5 months out and am stuck at 181 lbs (-78 lbs).

I'm 4.5 months out and am stuck at 181 lbs (-78 lbs). What can I do to break this plateau? I've forced myself to eat(sometimes I don't eat enough), had little or no carbs, and am very energetic and active. It's been two weeks with no movement....when can I expect the scale to move again??    — richarro (posted on October 7, 2003)

October 6, 2003
Hi, we started about the same time on our journey as I am 4.5 months also. I have been stuck for the past two weeks as well. From what I've been told by others, it's not uncommon to hit a plateau at this stage, but the scale will move again and you will get to goal. We just have to work through these times and stay positive.
   — Happy I.

October 6, 2003
You've lost almost 20 pounds PER MONTH!! You have to expect to hit a plateau after that kind of weight loss in such a short period of time. Keep exercising and eating 800 calories a day and eventually the weight loss will start again.
   — Patty H.

October 6, 2003
perfectly normal...your body is taking a much NEEDED break! Keep doing what your doing and it will get moving again. If after 4 or 5 weeks you see no movement of the scale/tape measure, then you need to worry about a plateau. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 6, 2003
Some of us have avoided plateaus by increasing protein intake beyond 80 grams a day when weight loss has slowed for just a few days; this method has been particularly effective for me as I have yet to hit a plateau of longer than 4-5 days on my journey to losing over 250 pounds in less than 12 months. Essentially, when the losses have slowed, I go on an Atkins type of induction diet, minimizing carbs to about 15 grams a day and maximizing protein (to at lesat 80 grams a day). Of course, the important consideration in all of this is to find a style of healthy eating that you can sustain, even if it results in slower-than-desired weight loss.
   — SteveColarossi