(Last Updated On: 27th March 2023)

Shedding a significant amount of weight and whipping yourself back into shape requires a lot of hard work. Still, you can reap a sense of self-fulfilment and accomplishment once achieved. All your sacrifices and long hours at the gym are worth it. But if you experience significant weight loss, you’ll find that you’re left with a lot of excess skin, which may adversely impact your appearance and quality of life.

This article tackles how to deal with loose skin after weight loss, from the causes of excess skin to ways to tighten it and enjoy the new body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

WHAT CAUSES EXCESS SKIN AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?

The skin is the largest organ in your body, and its innermost layer is composed of proteins, including collagen and elastin. Collagen, which makes up 80 per cent of your skin’s structure, provides firmness, while elastin handles elasticity to help your skin stay tight.

When you put on weight, your skin expands to accommodate the mass you’ve gained. Once the skin has been significantly stretched for an extended period, its collagen and elastin fibres become damaged, losing their ability to return to their original state. As a result, you get excess skin that hangs from your body. The more weight you lose, the more pronounced the loose skin becomes.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SKIN ELASTICITY

  • Length of time overweight: Unlike pregnant women whose skin retracts after they give birth to a baby, people who have been overweight or obese for an extended period get looser skin due to elastin and collagen loss.
  • The total weight loss: Those who shed 100 pounds (46 kg) or more are more susceptible to hanging skin than those who only achieved a modest weight loss.
  • Age: The older you are, the less collagen you have. Older people are less able to retract skin compared to younger folks.
  • Genetics: Genes also come into play. It may affect how your skin reacts to weight gain and loss.
  • Sun Exposure: People who are more exposed to the sun experience a reduction in skin and collagen production.
  • Smoking: In general, smoking has adverse side effects that lead to damaged collagen and reduced collagen production.

3 NATURAL WAYS TO TIGHTEN LOOSE SKIN

1. BUILD MUSCLE

Performing resistance training effectively builds muscle mass in young and older adults. When you hammer it out in the gym, you burn more calories, increase muscle mass, and improve the appearance of excess skin. Don’t simply focus on cardio exercises; lift some weights too. We like this video by the blogger Lindsey at Nourish Move Love

2. COLLAGEN INTAKE

Collagen intake

Over-the-counter collagen contains collagen hydrolysate, which is like gelatin. This ingredient is a processed form of the same collagen found in the connective tissues of animals. While no ample research can help people with loose skin derived from major weight loss, there’s enough empirical evidence that it has a shielding effect on the skin’s collagen.

3. NON-INVASIVE MEDICAL WAY

Venus Concept body contouring technology

The Venus Concept body contouring technology boasts a treatment that targets multiple concerns, including wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks, and lax skin. It is recommended for people with stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be shifted with diet and exercise. In most cases, it’s used in targeting the arms, abdomen, love handles, back bulge, and the male chest. After the treatment, you get a slimmer physique with a more defined shape. Please speak to us about non-invasive treatments or learn the five amazing benefits of body contouring.

If you’re looking for body contouring services in Peterborough, Rutland, Leicestershire, Grantham, or nearby Corby to tighten your skin, get in touch with me today by calling 01572 490950

Lorna