What causes someone to stop losing weight after reaching a certain point?

In general, reaching a certain point where weight loss stalls may be caused by factors such as bone structure and genetics, an unbalanced daily diet, insufficient physical activity, slow metabolism, or changes in gut microbiota balance. Treatments under medical supervision may include ultrasound lipolysis, liposuction, radiofrequency lipolysis, thread embedding for weight loss, or medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Bone Structure and Genetic Factors

Bone structure significantly influences body weight. Individuals with larger frames tend to have higher body weights, making weight loss more challenging. Genetic factors can also affect body fat percentage; some people may already have relatively high body fat, but their bodies’ protective mechanisms are operating efficiently, which may hinder further fat reduction. Under medical guidance, ultrasound lipolysis can be used—this technique employs high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to precisely target subcutaneous fat layers. The ultrasonic energy disrupts fat cell membranes through cavitation, mechanical effects, and thermal effects, releasing intracellular contents that are then metabolized and cleared by the body, thereby reducing fat thickness. The typical cost for ultrasound lipolysis ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 yuan per session. Results are generally visible within 1–3 months post-treatment, though side effects such as swelling and pain may occur.

2. Unbalanced Daily Diet

Consuming excessive high-fat and high-calorie foods in daily meals may lead to fat accumulation, impairing weight loss efforts. It is recommended to adjust dietary patterns by increasing intake of fiber-rich foods such as corn, oats, and brown rice. Under medical supervision, liposuction may also be considered. This procedure involves making small incisions in the skin and using negative pressure devices to remove excess localized fat tissue. It directly reduces the number of fat cells, enabling rapid slimming and body contouring. The typical cost for liposuction ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 yuan per session. Improvements are usually noticeable within 2–3 months after surgery, although risks such as infection and bleeding may occur.

3. Insufficient Physical Activity

If caloric intake is high while physical activity remains low, excess energy cannot be effectively burned, leading to poor weight loss outcomes. Increasing physical exercise helps burn surplus calories. Alternatively, radiofrequency (RF) lipolysis may be performed under medical guidance. This method delivers RF energy via specialized devices to targeted fat areas, causing water molecules within fat cells to vibrate rapidly in a high-frequency electric field, generating heat. This heat damages fat cell membranes and simultaneously stimulates collagen production, achieving both fat reduction and skin tightening. The typical cost for RF lipolysis ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 yuan per session. Results typically appear within 1–2 months post-treatment, though temporary side effects like skin warmth and redness may occur.

4. Slow Metabolism

During weight loss, inadequate nutrient or fluid intake may slow down metabolic processes, negatively affecting weight loss progress. Therefore, maintaining balanced nutrition and sufficient hydration is essential. Thread embedding for weight loss, performed under medical supervision, is another option. This involves implanting absorbable protein threads into specific acupoints (e.g., in the abdomen or legs). The embedded threads provide continuous stimulation to these points, regulating endocrine function, the nervous system, and metabolism. This helps suppress appetite, increase basal metabolic rate, and promote fat breakdown and energy expenditure. The typical cost for thread embedding ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvements usually appear within 1–3 months, though mild side effects such as redness, swelling, and pain at the insertion sites may occur.

5. Altered Gut Microbiota Balance

Changes in diet or use of weight-loss medications may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. Gut bacteria play a key role in digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food. Imbalances may alter energy utilization efficiency, potentially increasing the amount of energy extracted from food, which hinders weight loss. It is advisable to follow medical advice when using medications such as Lactobacillus tablets, Bifidobacterium Triformis live capsules, or Live Bacillus Subtilis capsules to restore healthy gut flora.

Routine lifestyle recommendations include increasing dietary fiber intake, consuming probiotic-rich foods in moderation, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, maintaining regular sleep patterns, reducing consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and managing stress levels to support overall well-being and effective weight management.