Plateaus in weight loss occur when your body adjusts to the changes you've made, slowing down its response to diet and exercise.
In the beginning, weight loss often happens quickly as you make significant changes to your diet and activity levels.
Your body adapts to lower calorie intake by slowing down metabolism, conserving energy, and making weight loss more challenging.
As you lose fat, gaining muscle can offset weight loss on the scale, leading to apparent plateaus.
Hormonal shifts during weight loss, such as changes in leptin and cortisol levels, can affect your body's response to dieting.
Fluctuations in water retention, especially after starting a new exercise routine, can mask fat loss progress.