Your body works to create a natural balance between intake and output. You may experience initial weight loss, but then hit the dreaded "weight loss plateau" and notice your progress has slowed to a complete stop, even if you are consistently exercising and reducing your calorie intake.



Here are 5 common reasons you hit weight loss plateaus and solution for each.

Problem 1: One problem could be you are reducing your calorie intake too much. To burn calories, it takes calories. When your calorie intake decreases, your body lowers your metabolism. Your body actually begins to require less calories to function. Reducing your calorie intake by 500 or more can cause an increase in hunger, and have your body holding tightly to your stored fat. Talk about frustrating!

Solution 1: You can push through this plateau by keeping your calorie intake to just under your maintenance level which will keep your energy level and metabolism at higher levels.

Problem 2: You may also be suffering from a loss of lean body mass. Your muscles burn fat, and if you lose muscle through weight loss, you are burning fewer calories. It's estimated that lean body mass uses five times as many calories as fat mass, so if you've lost lean body mass, your metabolism slows down, and with it, your weight loss.

Solution 2: To prevent this you want to be sure you keep your body nourished through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements if necessary, and by exercising regularly.

Problem 3: Your plateau may be caused because of your weight loss success. Sounds crazy, right? You wanted to lose weight. But don't forget that when you weigh less, your body requires less calories because it takes less energy to move your body.

Solution 3: Include a weight training program to increase your lean body mass which will compensate for the calorie reduction.

Problem 4: Your weight loss program and exercise plan has caused your body to make changes so it can better adjust to it's new routine. Initially your muscles are rebuilding and using lots of calories. However, your body will eventually stop adapting and will burn less calories.

Solution 4: You can counter this by keeping your exercise routine from getting stale. Maintain your body's adaptation phase by varying the intensity, frequency, duration and the types of exercise that make up your fitness program.

Problem 5: Boredom can also sabotage your weight loss plan. If you are bored with your diet, so is your body!

Solution 5: Use your weight loss plan as a reason to try new foods and new recipes. Vary your exercise routine, perhaps changing the environment from time to time. If you regularly visit the gym, try a hike or a jog outside instead. Try to remember that plateaus are just temporary and don't have to become roadblocks. Remain positive, focused, and motivated.

Keep moving... You can push through the plateaus and keep on the road to better health!