How to Get Past the Postpartum Weight Loss Plateau

Dr. Erin Hendriks • February 5, 2024

How to Get Past the Postpartum Weight Loss Plateau

The journey of motherhood is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it often comes with its share of challenges. No two experiences are the same. Some women may have more emotional challenges, while other women may run into physical roadblocks. Whatever you’re facing, Elle MD is here to help.

Many women come to us with questions about the dreaded postpartum weight loss plateau. New mothers often find themselves frustrated when they can’t shed those extra pounds as quickly as they expected. As always, our approach is holistic. We’re going to focus on mindset as well as weight loss tips. We want what’s best for your body in the long run, not just a quick fix for losing weight.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the postpartum weight loss plateau and discuss a holistic approach to help new mothers on their journey toward a healthier, more vibrant post-baby body.

What’s Up with the Extra Weight during and after Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings about a number of changes in a woman’s body. One of the most noticeable is the physical weight gain. However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all of this added weight is due to the baby. The body stores extra fat, fluids, and nutrients to support the growing fetus and prepare for breastfeeding.

So, when new moms wonder why they need to lose weight after giving birth, it’s not solely about appearance but also about restoring their bodies to a healthy balance.

Embracing a Holistic Mindset

The postpartum weight loss plateau period is a time of adjustment and transition for both the body and the mind. It’s essential to approach weight loss with a holistic mindset that encompasses not only physical health but mental and emotional well-being as well.

New mothers should try to give themselves grace during this challenging stage of life. This can be hard due to family, cultural, and personal narratives, but we really encourage you to take some time to consider your “why.” This is a time to nurture and care for both your baby and yourself.

The pressure to “bounce back” quickly can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to remember that every woman’s journey is unique. You’ve got this!

One way to set a nurturing mindset is to consider your weight loss timeline. Yes, the postpartum weight loss plateau is real, but if your timeline is focused on weeks instead of months (even a year or more), then you may be pushing yourself too hard. The body needs time to recover and adjust. Rapid weight loss may not be healthy or sustainable, especially when you’re caring for a newborn.

Instead, focus on gradual progress and aim for long-term health and well-being. Consult with healthcare professionals to determine a safe and realistic weight loss plan.

7 Factors Contributing to the Postpartum Weight Loss Plateau

Now that we’ve established the importance of a holistic mindset, let’s unpack some common factors that can contribute to the postpartum weight loss plateau. At Elle MD, our goal is to uncover the root causes of your weight management struggles. As a patient, you’ll be able to share your story and receive a personalized weight loss plan tailored to you.

1. Changing Hormones

Pregnancy and childbirth trigger significant hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body. These hormonal changes can affect metabolism and fat storage, making weight loss more challenging.

2. Genetics

Genetics play a crucial role in determining an individual’s body shape and metabolism. Some women may have genetic predispositions that make the postpartum weight loss plateau more difficult to overcome.

3. Changing Gut Health

The gut microbiome can undergo shifts during pregnancy and postpartum. An imbalance in gut bacteria can impact digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially hindering weight loss efforts.

4. Pain and Achiness

Recovery from childbirth, especially if it involved a cesarean section or perineal tears, can lead to pain and discomfort. This may limit physical activity, making it harder to lose weight.

5. Less Sleep

Newborns often require frequent nighttime feedings and care, leading to sleep deprivation for new mothers. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and energy expenditure, making weight loss more challenging.

6. More Stress Taking Care of a Baby

The demands of caring for a newborn, coupled with the emotional adjustments of motherhood, can lead to increased stress levels. Stress can trigger emotional eating and hinder weight loss efforts.

7. Time Constraints

With a newborn to care for, new mothers may find it challenging to find time for exercise and meal planning. Time constraints can impact their ability to focus on their own health.

Working with Elle MD to Get Over the Postpartum Weight Loss Plateau

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the various factors that can contribute to the postpartum weight loss plateau. However, the good news is that you don’t have to go through this journey alone! Seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference in your post-baby weight loss journey.

Remember that your well-being, both physical and emotional, is of utmost importance as you navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Elle MD is here to help new mothers sustainably lose weight and feel more vibrant even after giving birth. Our team of experts understands the unique challenges that postpartum women face and offers personalized solutions tailored to your needs. We emphasize a holistic approach that considers not only weight loss but also overall health and well-being.

So, if you’re looking to get past the postpartum weight loss plateau, don’t hesitate to reach out for an appointment today and embark on your path toward a healthier, more vibrant post-baby body.

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Meet the Drs.

Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.

Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!

We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.

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Why The Fasting Mimicking Diet Is Worth Considering in the New Year

By Dr. Erin Hendriks • December 13, 2025

The fasting mimicking diet has gained momentum for its potential to improve metabolic health, support healthy aging, and even influence cellular regeneration. While human studies are still relatively small and short-term, the data so far is compelling. Here’s what the research says—and what it doesn’t—about this periodic 5-day, low-calorie, plant-forward diet. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Benefits One of the most well-studied areas of the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) is metabolic health. In a randomized trial of 100 healthy adults, three monthly cycles of a 5-day FMD led to: Decreased body weight Lower trunk and total body fat Reduced blood pressure Reduced IGF-1 (a hormone associated with aging and cancer risk) Participants at higher baseline risk saw even stronger improvements. A follow-up analysis of 71 participants found additional benefits: Lower BMI Reduced fasting glucose Decreased triglycerides Lower total and LDL cholesterol Reduced C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) Higher blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) have been linked to increased cardiometabolic disease risk. A study in healthy volunteers found that the fasting mimicking diet cut TMAO levels by about 50%, reduced IGF-1, and improved insulin sensitivity. Bottom line: Even in generally healthy adults, periodic FMD cycles appear to improve several markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health. Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Some of the most promising findings come from people with type 2 diabetes. A recent 12-month randomized controlled trial in primary care found that monthly 5-day FMD cycles: Reduced the need for glucose-lowering medications Improved HbA1c Enhanced glycemic control in over half of the participants—compared to only 8% in the control group This is early but encouraging: the fasting mimicking diet may support better glycemic control while reducing medication burden—when used under medical supervision. Autophagy & Cellular Health Another exciting area of FMD research involves cellular cleanup and repair. A pilot randomized trial found that FMD increased autophagic flux—your body’s ability to recycle damaged cellular components. Participants also showed: Lower fasting glucose Higher ketone levels Reduced HOMA-IR (a calculated score used to estimate insulin resistance) Both low- and high-protein versions of FMD triggered autophagy at a molecular level, though the low-protein version led to higher ketone production. This suggests FMD may help activate longevity-linked pathways involved in cellular renewal. Longevity & Cognitive Effects Long-term animal studies point toward broader systemic benefits. In mice, repeated FMD cycles: Extended lifespan Reduced cancer incidence Promoted hippocampal neurogenesis (hello, brain health) Improved cognitive performance Enhanced stem cell regeneration across multiple organ systems A 2024 study in aging mice showed that FMD also improved gut health, boosted beneficial species like Lactobacillus johnsonii, reduced anxiety behaviors, and supported cognitive function. While animal data doesn’t automatically translate to humans, it provides a strong scientific rationale for ongoing human trials. Body Composition & Metabolic Preservation Compared to traditional calorie restriction, FMD has some advantages: Better preservation of lean mass Less reduction in basal metabolic rate Similar weight loss results without slowing metabolism A high-protein version of FMD has also been explored, showing selective reductions in visceral fat, improvements in heart rate variability, and increased microbiome diversity. Takeaway The fasting mimicking diet is one of the most intriguing and well-researched nutrition interventions in the longevity space. Early data support benefits in metabolic health, cardiovascular markers, type 2 diabetes, cellular repair, and even cognitive performance. But like all emerging therapies, it requires more rigorous long-term study. If you’re considering FMD, especially if you have chronic medical conditions or take prescription medications, it’s essential to do so under the guidance of a clinician trained in metabolic and nutritional interventions. If you’re considering trying the fasting mimicking diet yourself, you can order the ProLon FMD kit here: ORDER: The Fasting-Mimicking Diet References: Wei M, Brandhorst S, Shelehchi M, Mirzaei H, Cheng CW, Budniak J, Groshen S, Mack WJ, Guen E, Di Biase S, Cohen P, Morgan TE, Dorff T, Hong K, Michalsen A, Laviano A, Longo VD. Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Sci Transl Med. 2017 Feb 15;9(377):eaai8700. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aai8700. PMID: 28202779; PMCID: PMC6816332. Videja M, Sevostjanovs E, Upmale-Engela S, Liepinsh E, Konrade I, Dambrova M. Fasting-Mimicking Diet Reduces Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels and Improves Serum Biochemical Parameters in Healthy Volunteers. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 5;14(5):1093. doi: 10.3390/nu14051093. PMID: 35268068; PMCID: PMC8912301. Van den Burg EL, Schoonakker MP, van Peet PG, van den Akker-van Marle EM, Lamb HJ, Longo VD, Numans ME, Pijl H. Integration of a fasting-mimicking diet programme in primary care for type 2 diabetes reduces the need for medication and improves glycaemic control: a 12-month randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia. 2024 Jul;67(7):1245-1259. doi: 10.1007/s00125-024-06137-0. Epub 2024 Mar 28. PMID: 38546821; PMCID: PMC11153305. Espinoza SE, Park S, Connolly G, Qi W, Zhang N, Semwal M, Li Y, Lauzon M, Salmon AB, Hsu W, Wei M, Musi N. Effect of fasting-mimicking diet on markers of autophagy and metabolic health in human subjects. Geroscience. 2025 Dec 11. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-02035-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41372565. Burns L, Cooper S, Sarmad S, Funke G, Di Mauro A, Gaitanos GC, Tsintzas K. Effects of fasting-mimicking diets with low and high protein content on cardiometabolic health and autophagy: A randomized, parallel group study. Clin Nutr. 2025 Sep;52:299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.08.004. Epub 2025 Aug 6. PMID: 40816210. Brandhorst S, Choi IY, Wei M, Cheng CW, Sedrakyan S, Navarrete G, Dubeau L, Yap LP, Park R, Vinciguerra M, Di Biase S, Mirzaei H, Mirisola MG, Childress P, Ji L, Groshen S, Penna F, Odetti P, Perin L, Conti PS, Ikeno Y, Kennedy BK, Cohen P, Morgan TE, Dorff TB, Longo VD. A Periodic Diet that Mimics Fasting Promotes Multi-System Regeneration, Enhanced Cognitive Performance, and Healthspan. Cell Metab. 2015 Jul 7;22(1):86-99. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.012. Epub 2015 Jun 18. PMID: 26094889; PMCID: PMC4509734. Wang Q, Xu J, Luo M, Jiang Y, Gu Y, Wang Q, He J, Sun Y, Lin Y, Feng L, Chen S, Hou T. Fasting mimicking diet extends lifespan and improves intestinal and cognitive health. Food Funct. 2024 Apr 22;15(8):4503-4514. doi: 10.1039/d4fo00483c. PMID: 38567489. Sadeghian M, Hosseini SA, Zare Javid A, Ahmadi Angali K, Mashkournia A. Effect of Fasting-Mimicking Diet or Continuous Energy Restriction on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Appetite-Regulating Hormones Among Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: a Randomized Controlled, Parallel Trial. Obes Surg. 2021 May;31(5):2030-2039. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-05202-y. Epub 2021 Jan 9. PMID: 33420673. Burns L, Cooper S, Sarmad S, Funke G, Di Mauro A, Gaitanos GC, Tsintzas K. Effects of fasting-mimicking diets with low and high protein content on cardiometabolic health and autophagy: A randomized, parallel group study. Clin Nutr. 2025 Sep;52:299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.08.004. Epub 2025 Aug 6. PMID: 40816210.