Two weeks is normal variation, not a true plateau. Weight fluctuates constantly due to water retention, hormones, digestive contents, and timing. A “stall” only becomes a real plateau after 4-6 weeks of no change while genuinely following your plan. Research by Hall shows that one pound of fat requires a 3,500-calorie deficit—but water and other factors can swing 2-5 pounds either direction, obscuring actual fat loss.
This companion covers why weight fluctuates, the math of fat loss, true plateau versus normal variation, the honest audit questions, and what to do if it’s a genuine plateau. (4 min read)