If you’ve hit a diet plateau, you might blame “starvation mode.” In reality, your body undergoes metabolic adaptation, a series of hormonal and energy‑saving tweaks that slow calorie burn when intake stays low. At our weight loss Orange County clinic, we see this often and guide clients through it. Understanding these changes can stop frustration and kickstart progress.
What Is Metabolic Adaptation?
When calories drop, your body protects its energy stores. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) can decline by up to 15% after losing roughly 10% of body weight. Hormones like leptin fall and ghrelin rise, so hunger increases and each pound feels harder to lose.
Busting the “Starvation Mode” Myth
“Starvation mode” isn’t an on/off switch when it comes to weight loss Orange County. You still lose weight, just more slowly. Tracking non‑exercise activity (NEAT) and using indirect calorimetry tests can reveal exactly how your metabolism shifts.
Overcoming Plateaus
· Diet Breaks: A week at maintenance calories can reset hormones.
· Reverse Dieting: Add 50–100 calories per week after a strict diet to rebuild RMR.
· Strength Training: Preserving or building muscle helps sustain calorie burn.
Need tailored support? We offer metabolic testing and personalized plans in our weight loss centers near me Visit our weight loss clinic in Mission Viejo or explore more at https://ocweightlossandmedspa.com/
