Can't tell if I have loose skin or fat that I need to lose. Help?

Annanna91

So I'm a 23yr old female and my bmi is in the healthy range for my height of 5'5 and weight of 118lbs. Five years ago I used to weigh nearly 200lbs but I've managed to lose the weight through eating better and exercising.

However, although my bmi is normal I still feel fat and don't like what I see in the mirror. My stomach is definitely the area which I would like to improve as it's really flabby. I can't tell whether I need to reduce my body fat percentage to see a difference, or whether I've ruined my body and have loose skin now. What do you think?p.s. Any advice for me??

Francl27

It's hard to tell because of the picture quality. My pouch seems much more 'wrinkled' than yours though... but I can't see well on your picture. If it's wrinkled at all, it's probably some loose skin, but I would think it would hang more.

usmcmp

It's mostly fat and a little bit of loose skin. At this point you will want to look into recomposition. You shouldn't lose more weight, but to drop fat you'll need strength training.

Christine_72

Your belly looks exactly the same as mine! I need to see a front pic to be able to tell if it's fat or loose skin

SergeantSausage

Lose fat, gain muscle, stay the same weight and everything will likely tighten up into what you're looking for

Annanna91

Ok, please ignore my terrible stretch marks (I know I ruined my body by gaining too much too quickly!) just taken this photo...

usmcmp

It's still some fat. There is a bit of loose skin (the stuff at the bottom that forms the line). Strength training is your friend.

This is what just loose skin looks like. The stomach is flat with no pooch.

Christine_72

Yep, this could be a picture of my belly. I agree with the above poster. A mix of fat and loose skin. I've only got 4kgs left to lose, and I'm hoping it comes off my belly!

Annanna91

Thanks for answering. I used to be a cardio freak, and in many ways I still am, but I'm trying to mix things up and am doing some circuit training right now. Week 7/12 underway so I'm hoping to see some results soon.

ninerbuff

Looks like a little of both.

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jennifershoo

Lower the cardio and do more heavy lifting.