I have been on alli for a year now and I have lost 40lbs!  I am very happy with my weight loss and I am working on losing the last 20lbs.  However, I have been at the same weight all summer long even though I have been following my diet in calories and fat.  Also, I have been constipated for the past month and a half.  The only way I can get relief is if I take a laxative.  I tried taking fiber capsules to help relieve this, but it did not help.  I also tried reducing my calorie intake by 100-200 but that did not work either.  I also go swimming, bike riding, and work out on an ellipitical machine every once in awhile, but nothing happens! Is there anything you can suggest to get over this plateau?

Hi amberv1986,

Congratulations on losing 40 pounds, that takes dedication and hard work!  It is frustrating when reaching a plateau but it can be overcome.

Your body is genetically programmed to keep the weight on, survival instinct, and as you lose weight it tries to slow down metabolism.  One reason why regular exercise is important.  When starting an exercise program, it is realistic to aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week (like walking).  As you progress the routine needs to be changed with an increase in duration and intensity as well as including resistance training which builds muscle (burns more calories).

Your daily caloric requirements have changed and in order to lose more you do need to be consuming less.

What dietary changes have you made which is causing constipation?  With the warmer weather you do need to keep yourself well hydrated.  There is no problem with taking a laxative as needed, but you do not want this to become a habit.

The dieticians can give you more specific answers to your dietary concerns.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh