Preventing excess skin

sausens
sausens Posts: 39 Member
in Motivation and Support
I'm a 19 year-old girl, 162 cm (5ft 3). My highest weight was 97 kg (213 lbs), I lost 23 kgs in a year and a half, so I am currently 74.5 kg (164 lbs) and my goal is 62 kg (136 lbs).
As many other people, I suppose, I am worried that once I reach my goal weight I will have some excess skin on me that can only be removed surgically. Right now my skin looks fine, but I've noticed that if I press my rapidly decreased belly it can be seen that the skin is a bit.. big and this has made me anxious. So basically, what I would like to know is whether there is anything I could do right now, still on my weight loss path, to prevent the excess skin.

Replies

  • katznkt
    katznkt Posts: 320 Member
    Hey! You should friend me. About the same height, about the same starting and end goals. :)

    Not sure how to answer your question though. I'm in the same boat. Everything looks okay right now, but I'm worried it will be worse later.

    Not a whole lot we can do unfortunately. You have youth on your side which is great. Not sure if your genetics predispose you to have elastic skin or not.
  • TheGymGypsy
    TheGymGypsy Posts: 1,023 Member
    Lift weights and lose weight VERY slowly. Then pray that your genetics will do the rest.

    *ETA: You're not heavy enough to really worry about loose skin. I lost 70 pounds and barely have any. None of it is noticeable to anyone but me.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Unfortunately it's going to boil down to a few things: Genetics, how much you have to lose and usually age. Age isn't against you. People with more than 80+lbs to lose will usually end up with some loose skin regardless if they do it on a slow pace. IMO, if you lose slow and take care of your skin (moisturize) you can possibly keep it to a minimum, but that's not a guarantee.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Mercybou
    Mercybou Posts: 27
    My highest weight was 220 I lost 45 pound with in that time I was massaged and it's going to sound a little weird but I also shuck and kinda like smacked my belly arms and legs. My belly use to touch my legs after. Had my daughter it was really bad. I had another baby and gained all my weight back I am not currently at. 195 and doing the same thing again. I had friend comment and asked me how I was losing my cellulite. I had next to nothing on my legs. I recommend it. It really helped me transform my body. Get you self an exfoliate glove and some exfoliate scrub. It will increase blood flow.... I am currently using organic unrefined extra virgin coconut oil it is amazing for your skin you can also do a scrub with the coconut oil just add some sugar it google if you have any other questions on the scrub. I hope it helps you.
  • gypsyGIRL159
    gypsyGIRL159 Posts: 78 Member
    NOT TO WORRY!!! You have it made as long as you DO NOT yoyo diet now that you are losing the weight. STAY HEALTHY!!!! EAT RIGHT.... AND DRINK YOUR WATER... AND "DO" MOISTURIZE! Thats the key!!!! Youth is on your side.... just be sure to keep toning & sculpting. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

    ONGOING OPTIMAL HEALTH IS THE WAY TO GO.

    GOD BLESS!!!!!
  • krista2131
    krista2131 Posts: 33 Member
    I have heard many different things to do to prevent excess skin. One of the most important things someone told me was to drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. Other than that I am not sure what else can prevent it. I believe the slower you lose the more time your skin has to stretch back and form to your body.
  • sausens
    sausens Posts: 39 Member
    Thank you all for encouraging and giving me hope!
  • Kev_22
    Kev_22 Posts: 17 Member
    I have heard many different things to do to prevent excess skin. One of the most important things someone told me was to drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. Other than that I am not sure what else can prevent it. I believe the slower you lose the more time your skin has to stretch back and form to your body.

    Any moisturizing products you'd recommend?
  • Shuuma
    Shuuma Posts: 465 Member
    I started using an exfoliating bar soap (Dove exfoliating) to get the old skin off daily to encourage new skin growth. I moisturize everywhere with a hydrating lotion with vitamin E and collagen in it to encourage the new skin to shrink.

    Then I chant "shrink, shrink, shrink, shrink" while applying because I heard meditation works. :laugh:

    Seriously, I think you should be fine with slow and steady weight loss because young skin is much more elastic than older skin.

    Good luck.

    ETA: I've lost nearly 8 inches across my hips/belly and my skin is shrinking with it, so my genetics (so far, knock on wood) are helping me greatly. That and the meditation. :wink:
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    You're 19, you should be fine!
  • krista2131
    krista2131 Posts: 33 Member
    I have heard many different things to do to prevent excess skin. One of the most important things someone told me was to drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. Other than that I am not sure what else can prevent it. I believe the slower you lose the more time your skin has to stretch back and form to your body.

    Any moisturizing products you'd recommend?

    Only lotion I have ever used is Vitamin E lotion. It seems to do the trick, but I have heard that any lotion will do. I guess it is a trial and error process.
  • Moonlitedi
    Moonlitedi Posts: 94 Member
    I went from 270 down to 165 and very little loose skin. I have also added Kickboxing to my routine which has drastically helped with tightening up loose parts. Make sure to stay hydrated. Definitely keep with protein so it will help build good lean muscle. Go slow and since you are still young you don't have to worry too much about it. When you shrink your body tend to shrink with you.
    I made a Youtube playlist for a friend if you want to try some of these. They have helped me throughout my journey. Just go at your speed and if you can't keep up just keep moving anyways to keep the heart pumping then once you get the hang of it it will be a breeze and super fun!

    Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLO9je5skn4UboFe0VzRAwxpr7qoDmbP35

    Good luck with your journey. Feel free to send a friend request if you have any other questions ^_^

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