Nexus Pharmacy
Losing weight is a journey that often comes with highs and lows. You may start off seeing quick progress, feeling motivated as the numbers on the scale drop. But then, suddenly, your weight loss stalls – despite continuing to follow the same diet and exercise plan. This is known as a weight loss plateau, and it’s one of the most frustrating challenges people face when trying to lose weight.
At Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham, we understand how disheartening this can be. Whether you’re losing weight naturally or using weight loss injections, a plateau doesn’t mean failure – it simply means it’s time to adjust your approach. In this guide, we’ll explain why plateaus happen, how to break through them, and how treatments like weight loss injections can help.
Why Does Weight Loss Slow Down?
When starting a weight loss plan, the body sheds excess water and stored glycogen quickly, leading to noticeable weight loss in the first few weeks. However, as you continue to burn fat, your metabolism may slow down in response. This happens because:
Your body adapts to a lower calorie intake – When you eat fewer calories, your body naturally tries to conserve energy by burning fewer calories at rest.
You may be losing muscle mass – Muscle burns more calories than fat, so if you’re not incorporating strength training, losing muscle can slow your metabolism.
Your body holds onto fat more efficiently – As you get leaner, your body may resist further weight loss to protect itself from what it perceives as a threat.
Caloric intake may be creeping up – Over time, portion sizes and hidden calories in food choices can add up without you realising.
How Long Does It Take to Lose a Stone?
The time it takes to lose a stone varies depending on factors such as age, metabolism, activity level, and diet. On average:
- A healthy weight loss rate is 1-2 pounds per week, meaning it could take between 7 to 14 weeks to lose a stone.
- With weight loss injections such as Saxenda or Wegovy, results may be quicker, with many people losing 5-10% of their body weight over 12 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
- More aggressive weight loss plans involving structured medical support may help you lose a stone within 4-6 weeks, but this must be done safely.
If your weight loss has stalled despite your efforts, it’s time to take action.
How to Break Through a Weight Loss Plateau
If you’re asking yourself, “How long does it take to lose a stone?” but feel stuck, here are some effective strategies to get back on track.
1. Reassess Your Calorie Intake
Over time, your body may require fewer calories as you lose weight. What worked at the start of your journey may no longer be effective. Try:
- Tracking your food intake to ensure you’re not consuming more than you think.
- Reducing portion sizes slightly to create a small calorie deficit.
- Avoiding liquid calories from sugary drinks, alcohol, or high-calorie coffees.
2. Increase Protein Intake
Eating more protein can help maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism. Try incorporating:
- Lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- Plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu.
- Protein shakes as a convenient option.
3. Switch Up Your Exercise Routine
If you’ve been doing the same workouts, your body may have adapted. To challenge your muscles and boost calorie burn, try:
- Strength training to build lean muscle and increase metabolism.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for an effective fat-burning boost.
- Increasing step count by walking more throughout the day.
4. Consider Weight Loss Injections
For those struggling with stubborn weight loss, weight loss injections such as Saxenda or Wegovy can provide additional support. These medications work by:
- Reducing appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer.
- Slowing digestion, so you consume fewer calories naturally.
- Regulating blood sugar levels, which can prevent cravings and overeating.
At Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham, we offer weight loss consultations where our trained professionals can assess if weight loss injections are right for you.
5. Prioritise Sleep and Stress Management
Lack of sleep and high stress can increase cortisol levels, leading to fat retention, especially around the stomach. To improve your results:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Reduce stress through meditation, deep breathing, or light exercise.
- Avoid late-night snacking, which often occurs due to stress or boredom.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water supports digestion, reduces hunger, and helps prevent water retention. Aim for:
- At least 2 litres of water per day.
- More if exercising or in hot weather.
- Herbal teas and infused water as alternatives to sugary drinks.
7. Be Patient and Stay Consistent
Weight loss is not linear, and plateaus are a natural part of the process. If the scale isn’t moving, focus on non-scale victories, such as:
- Feeling more energised.
- Fitting into smaller clothing sizes.
- Improvements in blood pressure and overall health.
Get Personalised Support at Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham
If you’re struggling to lose a stone or have hit a weight loss plateau, Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham is here to help. Our team provides:
- Personalised weight loss advice tailored to your lifestyle.
- Weight loss injections, including Saxenda and Wegovy, under professional supervision.
- Ongoing support to keep you motivated and accountable.
Continue Making Weight Loss Progress
A weight loss plateau can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean your journey is over. By making small adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle, you can break through and continue making progress. If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to lose a stone?”, the answer depends on your approach, consistency, and willingness to adapt.
For expert weight loss support and access to weight loss injections, contact Nexus Pharmacy in Nottingham today. Book a consultation and take the next step towards your weight loss goals:
This blog was written on behalf of Nexus Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.