Weight loss usually occurs in two stages: rapid and slow. If you're using Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, or any other weight loss medication, or if you're relying on hard work and determination alone, you may be eager to know when you can expect to see results.
In this article, we’ll look at the stages of weight loss in more detail, what it might mean, and what you can expect if you are using weight loss medication to help you on your journey.
Weight loss typically occurs in two stages: rapid and slow. However, you may find other sources that claim there are anywhere between 2 and 5 stages. Here we’ll focus on two distinct phases, fast and slow.
At the beginning of your weight loss journey, you’ll probably notice it happens pretty quickly. Studies show that weight loss happens rapidly during the first four to six weeks. During this time, you’re likely to notice that your clothes may fit differently and your appearance may begin to change.
Several factors can determine how much weight you will lose at the start of your weight loss journey.
In the first stage, most of your weight loss will be due to water loss rather than body fat. That’s because your body burns glycogen, the stored sugar found in muscles and the liver. When you eat carbohydrates, the body’s main source of energy, it will use what it needs to function and store any excess as glycogen, ready to be used later.
When glycogen stores are used for energy, water is released, leading to a rapid weight loss.
Once your glycogen stores are depleted, you then start burning fat and move onto stage 2 of the weight loss journey. Research indicates that weight loss occurs more rapidly in individuals who follow a low-carb diet compared to those who follow a low-fat diet.
The second stage of your weight loss journey is likely to be slower, and you may experience a weight loss plateau, where your weight stops changing.
Weight loss plateaus are common, but they can be frustrating. After the aforementioned reasons for rapid weight loss, plateaus are usually observed after the first 4-6 weeks.
Studies have shown that there are multiple influences on the stages of diet. These include the expected diet and physical activity, as well as social influences, personal preferences, and tastes. Previous experiences with weight loss were also identified as influencing factors.
Participants in studies cited that relapses in maintaining weight loss were sometimes due to difficulties in adhering to a weight loss program and resorting to alternative approaches.
If you use weight loss injections to support you on your weight loss journey, you may experience a similar pattern.
Average weight loss at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for the main weight loss injections is shown in the table below.
Weight loss in the first 12 weeks can be rapid when using weight loss injections, but plateaus are common, even if you do not use weight loss medication.
If you do experience a weight loss plateau, it’s important to remember:
If you’re looking for a suitable weight loss medication to support you on your journey, Prescription Doctor can offer the following weight loss injections:
Alternatively, we also provide weight loss pills:
Want to know more about the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy? Read our guide.
Typically, there are two stages of weight loss. The first is rapid weight loss, and the second is slow, where it is common for a plateau to occur. These stages are common, whether you use weight loss medication or not, but there are things you can do to help you overcome weight loss plateaus.
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