Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I was losing weight quickly at first while taking the diet medicine, but it suddenly stopped. How long does a weight loss plateau usually last?
A plateau is a natural process where your body adapts to a new weight. It typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but depending on your constitution and physical condition, it can persist for nearly a month. Rather than rushing with extreme dieting, it is important to listen to your body's signals and adjust your approach.
It is completely normal to feel frustrated when the numbers on the scale suddenly stop moving. This is essentially a period where your body is verifying if the current state is 'safe' and adjusting accordingly.
In the early stages, weight loss often happens rapidly as 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/metabolic waste) and 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis) are cleared from the body. However, as time passes, your metabolic rate stabilizes. In particular, those with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency), characterized by weak digestive functions, may lack the energy to drive metabolism, making the plateau feel longer.
While most plateaus resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, they can last up to 3 to 4 weeks depending on your condition. The most dangerous reaction at this stage is the urge to starve yourself further. Excessive fasting triggers a survival response, causing the body to cling to energy even more tightly.
When you hit a plateau, it is often more effective to adjust the potency of the herbal medicine or take a brief break to reset your metabolism. Rather than struggling alone, the fastest way forward is to finely tune your prescription to match your current physical state. When you visit the clinic, we will analyze your current stage and determine the best adjustments for you.