Several readers sent variations of the following two questions:

I've been following the Strong Women Stay Slim program for several months, and was losing weight. But the scale hasn't budged for two weeks. Help!

What if you try all this and a month later you're still at a plateau?

Plateaus are common - and normal - during weight loss, but they can be so frustrating! You're still exercising, still eating carefully, but the scale has stopped moving. Here are some suggestions:

• Just wait it out. Focus on the positive: the weight you've already lost, the disappearing inches, your increased strength and energy, your pride in what you've accomplished.
• Double-check your food. You may have to cut back on calories - but first, take a careful look at what you're eating now. Weigh and measure servings; keep a food log. You may be surprised at what you find. If you do have to reduce calories, try dropping to the lower level just on weekdays. That may be enough to make a difference. Don't go below 1200 calories.
• Up the exercise. This doesn't necessarily mean longer workouts. If your aerobic activity is no longer raising a sweat, increase the intensity a little. For instance, if you're walking, jog for part of the distance, or add a hill. Just be careful not to overdo.
• Increase everyday activity: Take the stairs instead of the elevator; walk or bike to the store instead of driving - or, if you must drive, park as far away from the entrance as possible. One or two extra minutes of walking may seem trivial, but it all adds up.

If you try all this and a month later you're still at a plateau, reassess your weight goals. Are you already at a healthy weight, but struggling to reach a number that just isn't realistic for you? Reread Chapter 6 of Strong Women Stay Slim, which explains how to set sensible goals. If your weight is still too high to be healthy, talk to your doctor. There might be a medical reason for the plateau.