Houston – If you have ever tried getting in shape only to discover that the last few pounds are the hardest to lose, you are definitely not alone. Research shows that as many as 85 percent of people trying to lose weight hit at least one plateau along the way, and that stalled feeling can be incredibly frustrating.
That is exactly the problem Dr. Ian Smith tackles in his new book, The Last 15. The number one New York Times bestselling author joined Houston Life to talk about why so many people get stuck and how his seven-week program is designed to help push past those stubborn final pounds realistically and sustainably.
According to Dr. Smith, plateaus are not a sign that you are failing. In fact, they are proof that what you have been doing has been working. As you lose weight, your body naturally tries to defend itself by slowing things down. You weigh less, which means you need fewer calories, but many people keep eating the same amount as when they were heavier. On the flip side, some people cut calories too aggressively, which signals the body to conserve energy and hold on to fat.
That is why Dr. Smith is careful to say The Last 15 is not a diet. Instead, it is a structured meal plan built around science driven principles that help guide the body into a fat burning zone without extreme restriction. The book includes 55 approachable recipes and a clear seven week roadmap meant to feel doable for real life.
How you can start today
- Reassess calorie intake and consider a modest reduction of about 15 to 20 percent if weight loss has stalled.
- Increase protein. Protein helps control cravings, stabilizes blood sugar, and takes more energy for the body to digest. It also supports muscle, which plays a huge role in metabolism.
- Boost N.E.A.T., or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. This includes everyday movement like walking, doing chores, and staying active outside of formal workouts.
At its core, The Last 15 is about sustainability, not perfection. Dr. Smith emphasizes that if most of your choices are solid, there is room for flexibility and grace. The goal is to build habits that last long after the seven weeks are over.