Real weight-loss takes time.

Weight loss is achieved when your body has to break down its own fat to use as energy.

This happens when you don’t take in enough energy (or calories) through the food that you eat.

Your body, however, can only “burn-off” so much fat before it triggers adaptive mechanisms that make weight loss more difficult.

This may explain why most people tend to “plateau” or gain their weight back after their initial weight loss.

Some of these “adaptive mechanisms” may include decreasing your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity, adjusting certain hormones, and limiting nervous system function.

In order to decrease the intensity of these adaptive mechanisms therefore preventing a relapse, most scientific guidelines recommend not exceeding a restriction of more than 1000 calories daily, or a total weight loss of 2 pounds per week.

In summary, our bodies have innate physiological and psychological protective mechanisms that make losing weight beyond a certain rate extremely difficult, and often impossible.

Therefore, the only way to lose weight and keep it off for good is by sticking to a plan, remaining patient, and following only evidence-based science!

What helps you stick with your weight loss goals? Share what works for you in the comments below!

And if you need help, #Getacoach to help you stick with it for the long-term!