Why has my weight loss stalled?
Short answer first. Full logic in the chapter.
First: you don't have a plateau because the scale didn't move on a Tuesday. That's just The Wet Sponge fluctuating.
The Rule of the 14-Day Stall:
You only have a real plateau if your Weekly Average has been flat for two full weeks AND your waist measurement hasn't changed.
Diagnostic checklist:
- 1. Are you actually tracking accurately? Eyeballing olive oil can add 300+ hidden calories.
- 2. Are you eating on weekends the same as weekdays?
- 3. Has your NEAT (subconscious movement) dropped? You might be sitting heavier without realizing it.
- 4. Are you sleeping enough? Poor sleep spikes cortisol → water retention.
If it's a real plateau: Your body adapted. A smaller engine needs less fuel. Recalculate your TDEE at your current weight, create a fresh 300-500 kcal deficit, and continue.
Do NOT cut more aggressively. That triggers the Starvation Trap.
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting
This answer belongs to the chapter itself. Read the chapter for the full argument, then come back here when you need the short clarification.
Keep the same argument moving.
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