Episode #168: Why Your Weight Loss Has Slowed Down and What to Do About It

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh addresses one of the most common and frustrating experiences in a weight loss journey: when progress slows down. Many people begin GLP medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy and see encouraging results in the first few months, only to feel discouraged when the scale starts moving more slowly. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. Slowing weight loss is a normal and expected part of the process, and it does not mean that the medication has stopped working or that you are doing something wrong.Dr. Stombaugh explains the biology behind why weight loss naturally slows over time. As the body becomes smaller, it requires fewer calories to function, which means the same habits that led to early weight loss may no longer produce the same results. She also discusses how normal fluctuations from hormones, salt intake, travel, or the menstrual cycle can make it seem like weight loss has stalled even when overall progress is still happening.In this conversation, Dr. Stombaugh walks through some of the most common reasons weight loss slows down while taking GLP medications, including changes in appetite, gradual increases in portion sizes, loss of muscle mass, inconsistent medication use, and the effects of stress and sleep. She also shares practical strategies that can help patients restart progress, from focusing on protein intake and strength training to reviewing medication dosing with a physician.Most importantly, this episode reframes the idea of a plateau. Sustainable weight loss is rarely linear, and slower progress often reflects the body adapting in healthy ways. With the right adjustments and continued support, patients can keep moving toward their long term goals.Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.comIf you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp