HEATHER, athlete and personal trainer: Congratulations on your recent weight loss and commitment to fitness! What you are experiencing now is quite common among individuals who are losing weight sensibly. The human body is a miraculous machine and as such will adapt to just about any situation. Thus, even though you are restricting calories and are exercising as prescribed, your body has adjusted to these changes in your regular routine. Your body now considers these states of nutrition and fitness levels to be your norm. Therefore, you have reached what is known as a weight-loss plateau.

Now, you must take this time to reevaluate your current routine. Changes must be made to again stimulate weight loss. You may need to add a third mile to your two-mile walking routine. You may need to choose another form of exercise that you are not currently utilizing. If you haven’t engaged in strength training, this may be the time to incorporate it into your program. Depending on the number of calories you have been eating or the types of foods you have been consuming, it may be necessary to tweak your nutritional plan.

Whatever the case may be, a change is definitely necessary to facilitate additional weight loss. If you are unsure of which direction to take, consult a professional such as a physician, fitness trainer and/or a nutritionist. These individuals will be able to evaluate what you have done in the past and offer advice about how to proceed.

Most important, do not get frustrated. The pursuit of health does not end at a specific number on the scale. It is a lifelong process that is ever evolving. Best wishes and don’t hesitate to write to me with specific concerns in your quest for wellness.

Posted June 11, 2003 03:43 AM