You’ve started eating better. You’re exercising regularly. The first few weeks go well — and then suddenly, the weighing scale stops moving. This is called a weight-loss plateau , and it is extremely common. A plateau doesn’t necessarily mean that your diet has “stopped working” or that you’ve failed. As your body weight changes, your energy requirements and appetite can change too. The important question is: what should you do next? What Is a Weight-Loss Plateau? A weight-loss plateau occurs when your weight remains relatively stable for a period of time despite continuing your weight-management efforts. Weight loss is rarely a straight downward line. Your weight can fluctuate because of: Water retention Hormonal changes Menstrual cycle Changes in bowel movements Sodium intake Exercise Changes in food intake So a few days without weight loss doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve reached a plateau. A genuine plateau is better assessed by looking at trends over time , rather than one or...
By Dr. Shruthi Thennati MBBS, MD Medicine | PgDip Endocrinology (UK) | DipIBLM General Physician | Metabolic Physician | Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara Emotional Eating: Why You Eat When You’re Not Really Hungry Have you ever opened the refrigerator after a stressful day — even though you weren’t physically hungry? Maybe it’s something sweet after a difficult day at work. Maybe you snack while watching television. Or perhaps you eat simply because you’re bored, tired or emotionally overwhelmed. This is often called emotional eating . And if you’re trying to lose weight, understanding the difference between physical hunger and emotional eating can be an important part of your journey. What Is Emotional Eating? Emotional eating means eating in response to emotions rather than physical hunger. Common triggers include: Stress Boredom Anxiety Sadness Frustration Loneliness Fatigue Habit It doesn’t mean that you lack willpower. Eating is influenced by ...