What happens if I stop losing weight before reaching my goal?

Early plateauing before reaching goal weight is common and frustrating. First, verify you're actually adherent - missed doses, inconsistent timing, or dose reductions can stall progress. Ensure you're at maximum tolerated dose - many plateaus occur because patients remain at intermediate doses due to side effect fears. Review your nutrition - calorie intake may have unconsciously increased as appetite suppression waned. Check for metabolic adaptation signs: fatigue, cold intolerance, hair loss may indicate excessive restriction. Consider adding or intensifying exercise, particularly resistance training. Discuss with your provider about: dose optimization, medication switching (semaglutide to tirzepatide or vice versa), or adding adjunct therapies. Some patients need combination approaches or may have reached their individual set point. Focus on health markers rather than scale weight if further loss proves difficult.