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Plateauing on Saxenda? Here's What You Can Do

  • Writer: Sobia Kazmi
    Sobia Kazmi
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

Many people who start their weight loss journey with Saxenda injections in Dubai(حقن ساكسيندا في دبي) see promising results in the beginning—reduced appetite, consistent fat loss, and improved energy. But what happens when the weight loss suddenly slows down or even stops? If you’re experiencing a plateau with Saxenda, don’t worry—this is a common part of the journey and there are smart ways to push past it.

Let’s explore why plateaus happen, what you can do to overcome them, and how to stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.



What is a Weight Loss Plateau on Saxenda:

A weight loss plateau refers to a period where your body weight remains stagnant despite continued use of Saxenda and adherence to your diet and exercise routine. This can occur after weeks or even months of steady weight reduction.

Common signs you’ve hit a plateau:

  • No change on the scale for 2–4 weeks

  • No noticeable change in body measurements

  • Less hunger reduction than when starting Saxenda

  • Feeling like your progress has stalled despite consistency

Plateaus are normal and can happen with any weight loss method, especially when your body begins to adapt to a lower calorie intake and smaller body mass.

Why Plateaus Happen During Saxenda Treatment:

Understanding the science behind plateaus can help you take smarter actions. Saxenda works by reducing appetite, but your metabolism and hormones can start to resist further weight loss as your body adjusts.

Key reasons for plateauing:

  • Lower metabolic rate: As you lose weight, your body burns fewer calories at rest

  • Diet fatigue: Subtle increases in portion sizes or calorie creep may occur

  • Muscle loss: Without strength training, you may lose lean muscle, which lowers calorie expenditure

  • Hormonal changes: Hormones such as leptin and ghrelin can trigger hunger and fat storage

Once your body senses you've lost a significant amount of fat, it tries to defend its "set point" weight, which can cause a frustrating slowdown.

Strategies to Break Through a Saxenda Plateau:

If you’ve hit a plateau, the solution isn’t to panic or give up—it’s to reassess and make targeted changes. With the right approach, you can jump-start progress and stay on track.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Reevaluate your calorie intake: As your body weight decreases, so do your calorie needs. Recalculate your daily requirements and adjust your portions accordingly.

  • Add strength training: Incorporate resistance workouts 2–3 times per week to build muscle and boost resting metabolism.

  • Increase physical activity: If you’ve been doing light cardio, consider raising the intensity or duration.

  • Track everything: Use a food journal or app to identify hidden calories or snacking habits.

  • Cycle your calories: Implement high- and low-calorie days to "shock" your metabolism without overindulging.

  • Hydrate properly: Sometimes, water retention can mask fat loss—drink enough fluids and limit high-sodium foods.

Making even small adjustments can create a fresh stimulus that helps break through the plateau barrier.

How Long Do Plateaus Last:

Plateaus can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your individual metabolism, activity level, and commitment to the plan. The key is persistence and patience.

Factors that affect plateau duration:

  • Time since starting Saxenda

  • Degree of previous weight loss

  • Physical activity consistency

  • Emotional stress and sleep patterns

If you’ve been stuck for more than 4 weeks despite consistent efforts, it’s time to reevaluate your plan with your healthcare provider.

When to Speak With Your Doctor:

While self-adjustments can be helpful, consulting your healthcare provider is important if you’re not seeing movement after 3–4 weeks. Dubai clinics specializing in Saxenda injections (حقن ساكسيندا)offer ongoing supervision, which can include adjusting your medication, reviewing your blood work, or tailoring your nutrition plan.

Your provider may consider:

  • Checking thyroid or insulin resistance issues

  • Adjusting your dosage or switching medications

  • Offering professional dietary advice or referral to a nutritionist

  • Providing mental health support for emotional eating triggers

Medical guidance ensures you’re not missing an underlying issue that may be affecting your progress.

Psychological Impact of a Plateau and How to Cope:

Weight loss isn't just physical—it's deeply emotional. Plateaus can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and even a loss of motivation. Staying mentally strong is essential for pushing through.

Mindset strategies that help:

  • Focus on non-scale victories: Looser clothing, better sleep, improved fitness

  • Set short-term, achievable goals: Like walking 10,000 steps daily or drinking more water

  • Practice gratitude: Reflect on how far you’ve come, not just what’s left

  • Limit comparison: Everyone’s body responds differently; your journey is unique

Mindfulness, journaling, or speaking with a wellness coach in Dubai can help reinforce positive habits and keep your mindset strong.

Reigniting Progress Through Lifestyle Tweaks:

Sometimes it takes a fresh approach to reignite fat loss. Think of this phase as an opportunity to upgrade your routine and build sustainable habits that last beyond Saxenda use.

Smart tweaks to try:

  • Shift meal timing to support metabolism (e.g., intermittent fasting)

  • Try new workouts or fitness classes to avoid boredom

  • Add more whole foods and cut out processed "diet" snacks

  • Get 7–9 hours of sleep to optimize hormone balance

These lifestyle improvements not only help break the plateau—they set you up for long-term success after you eventually taper off Saxenda.

Staying Committed to Your Long-Term Weight Loss Journey:

Hitting a plateau is not the end of the road—it’s a natural pause that challenges you to recommit. Long-term weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint, and perseverance often separates short-term dieters from true success stories.

Stay focused with these habits:

  • Keep regular follow-up appointments

  • Track progress weekly (but not obsessively)

  • Revisit your “why”—the reason you started

  • Celebrate progress, no matter how small

Consistency, self-awareness, and support are your most powerful tools to move forward confidently.

Final Thoughts:

Hitting a weight loss plateau while using Saxenda injections in Dubai can be disheartening, but it's a normal and manageable part of the journey. With a combination of strategic adjustments, medical guidance, and mental resilience, you can overcome the slowdown and continue making meaningful progress.

Remember: a plateau is not failure—it's feedback. Listen to your body, fine-tune your approach, and keep striving toward your healthiest self.

 
 
 

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