Understanding Weight Loss Plateaus and Breaking Through
Dieting often leads to weight loss plateaus due to the body’s natural compensation for calorie restriction. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Frank Chae explains this phenomenon as a ‘set point’ that the body resists after significant weight loss, activating survival mechanisms.
However, a study by researcher Kevin Hall reveals that weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound can delay plateaus by approximately a year compared to calorie restriction alone. Gastric bypass surgery is even more effective in this regard.
While semaglutide injections offer significant benefits, they are expensive and may not be easily accessible. Dr. Chae cautions that medications are not a cure but require continuous use, with long-term effects still under investigation.
Obesity is a prevalent disease affecting nearly one in three US adults. Dr. Chae emphasizes that it is not a lifestyle issue but a disease that requires treatment. Semaglutide injections and gastric bypass surgery effectively target obesity hormones, offering effective solutions for breaking through plateaus.
