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About Laurie Beebe, MS, RD, LD
Expertise
As a registered dietitian I am fully qualified to accurately answer questions regarding weight loss, including those from people with health conditions requiring dietary restrictions (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc) who want to lose weight, or who have been advised to do so by their physician.
Experience
I have been a registered dietitian for over 25 years and am certified in Adult Weight Management through the commission on dietetic registration. I also have training in coaching through Coach U and currently work as a diet coach to help people lose weight the healthy way.
Organizations
American Dietetic Association, Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, Nutrition Entreprenuers, St.Louis International Coach Federation, Toastmasters
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Florida, 1983; Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Case Western Reserve Universitiy 1985; Certification in Adult Weight Management 2006; CoachU core essentials grad 2007.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Eating Disorders > Nutrition & Dieting > Weight loss plateau
Expert: Laurie Beebe, MS, RD, LD - 10/29/2009
Question
Hi Dr. Beebe
I’m a 21 year old female about 5”6’ and have always been big child. About 6 months ago I started a lifestyle change which included eating healthier and exercising. Currently, I have loss 65 pounds; I started out at 270 and now hovering around 205. My problem is, I am finding it harder and harder to lose weight and I wanted to know what else I could do to counter this stagnation?
Other information
I vary my workouts at home, I attend a fitness class, I jog with friends occasionally, and I am a vegetarian. I have had to change my diet considerably because I have developed strong lactose intolerance (I had it as a child but its recently gotten worse.) Actually, since starting my life style change I have experienced and increase in allergens and minor health issues like the occasional yeast infection. I did have a slightly elevated blood pressure during a general check up I had this summer but I don’t remember the number. Also I have been doing this exercise and nutrition regime on my own.
Answer
Dear Chris,
Congratulations on your huge successful weight loss, and especially changing your lifestyle so this isn't just a "diet" to lose weight temporarily!
It's common to experience this slowing of weight loss at some point and many people refer to it as a "plateau"--a point at which the scale seems to stop moving. It's very frustrating, but once you break through it, you'll be on your way again. Since you burned more calories at 270 pounds than you do now, you may have to lower your calorie intake a bit more to continue weight loss, or bump up your exercise program a bit. Consider adding another 15 minutes to your exercise routines, or reducing your portion sizes slightly.
It is a bit unusual to start experiencing these health issues once you've starting improving your eating and exercise habits. If they become bothersome do see a physician regarding these issues (I am not a physician, by the way, but a registered dietitian--I noticed you addressed me as Dr. in your letter and I want to be sure to clarify that!)
If you would like to try dairy products, consider a product called "lactaid". It digests the sugar in milk, which is what causes the gassiness and bloating. You can take tablets before eating a dairy product, put drops in your milk, or buy products (by lactaid brand) that already have the milk sugar digested (milk, cheese, etc).
Consider starting a food journal, and write down everything you eat and perhaps also include your exercise sessions. You may notice when it's in black and white that there are things you weren't aware you were eating as much, and times when exercise showed up more seldom than you would think. This will help you to continue moving forward with a lower calorie intake and higher calorie burn to get you over the plateau and continue to lose weight towards your goal.
You go, girl!!
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