Are you Age 40+, lost 70+ lbs, without loose skin?

Hi! I just turned 40. I have to lose 70 lbs to be at my ideal weight. I am intimidated by both the number and prospect of loose skin. I will try to lose anyway, but I to not want the lose skin. I

My plan is to eat about 1500 calories a day
Protein and veggies at every meal to build back muscle
Weight train

I hope that this method helps avoid loose skin.

I have read many comments in which it seems the ones who have 100+ lbs to lose are the ones who have the loose skin. But I have also seen arguments (controversial apparently) that loose skin can be avoided through weight training.

So I respectfully ask for only responses from those who are over 40 who have lost 70 plus pounds who have tight skin still. Please is you could answer the following:

1. Age
2. How much weight you lost
3. How quickly you lost it
4. How much weight resistance and intensity you did during the process
5. Did you drink a lot of water?
6. Did you moisturize your skin daily?
7. What type, if any, of exercises outside of weight resistance did you do and how often?


Thank you! I am sorry for asking the folks with loss but loose skin to not respond, I realize this is a complicated topic.
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Replies

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Ha! I'm 45 lost 15 pounds in two months and I have loose skin. I've lifted weighs the whole time, 5 days a week. Drink at LEAST 12 bottles of water a day (though I don't always record it) and I moisturize. I also cardio 5 days a week.
    Getting old sucks!
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    So I respectfully ask for only responses from those who are over 40 who have lost 70 plus pounds and have good genetics.

    :wink:
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    I am sorry, but for you to misquote my post is rude and snarky! Is this allowed on these forums? I apologize if anyone here has loose skin, but respectfully asked the ones that do not to respond, and who the heck knows if they have good genes or not? Ridiculous

    Don't troll!
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    So I respectfully ask for only responses from those who are over 40 who have lost 70 plus pounds and have good genetics.

    :wink:

    Rude!!!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    I am sorry, but for you to misquote my post is rude and snarky! Is this allowed on these forums? I apologize if anyone here has loose skin, but respectfully asked the ones that have not, and who the heck knows if they have good genes or not to respond!

    Don't troll!

    It wasn't snarky. It was indicating that genetics play a big roll in whether or not your skin will be tight. Weight training, slower weight loss, good genetics and how much elasticity is in your skin (have you lost and gained a lot in your past) will determine your results.

    I would recommend that you try to not read with so much emotion. The internet can be a bit harsh if you take it very serious.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Never change someone's original wording as a quote, that is extremely rude. Thanks for the more helpful advice in the end.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Do you by chance have any history of smoking?
  • caesar164
    caesar164 Posts: 312 Member
    If you have 70 pounds to lose there will be some loose skin... Once you lose he 70 pounds, post it and show your loose skin...lol
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Omg! Does anyone here read? I am asking for only people who do not have loose skin to respond. And NO that is not true. I have read reports of people who have lost that much weight without it.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Ha! I'm 45 lost 15 pounds in two months and I have loose skin. I've lifted weighs the whole time, 5 days a week. Drink at LEAST 12 bottles of water a day (though I don't always record it) and I moisturize. I also cardio 5 days a week.
    Getting old sucks!

    Do you have a history of smoking?
  • violasmith85
    violasmith85 Posts: 274 Member
    I'm not over 40, but I decide to respond since this scared me at first too since I've been morbidly obese since I was 10 and I'm 30 now. I've done extensive research on this subject and the previous commenter is right. It can tighten up some after a few years of maintaining your goal weight, but most likely will not tighten up all the way. I've seen a lot of people elect to have surgery in the end because of it. However those who don't tell me that it doesn't bother them that much. That you can't see it through the clothes and it only becomes an issue if you want wear a bikini or something. I hope that helps. and good luck on your weight loss journey!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Omg! Does anyone here read? I am asking for only people who do not have loose skin to respond. And NO that is not true. I have read reports of people who have lost that much weight without it.

    To let you know, these kinds of responses will not encourage people to respond. Also, if you set the criteria to 40 year old women, who have lost 70 lbs or more, it's going to limit the number of people who can actually respond. I would highly recommend being a bit more open minded and hearing advice from others in the community. In the end, it comes down to what I mentioned above.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Omg! Does anyone here read? I am asking for only people who do not have loose skin to respond. And NO that is not true. I have read reports of people who have lost that much weight without it.

    To let you know, these kinds of responses will not encourage people to respond. Also, if you set the criteria to 40 year old women, who have lost 70 lbs or more, it's going to limit the number of people who can actually respond. I would highly recommend being a bit more open minded and hearing advice from others in the community. In the end, it comes down to what I mentioned above.

    Wait, this is your policy as a moderator? I am asking for specific input, on most forums that is respected. Have up actually read the responses I am getting?
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    I'm not over 40, but I decide to respond since this scared me at first too since I've been morbidly obese since I was 10 and I'm 30 now. I've done extensive research on this subject and the previous commenter is right. It can tighten up some after a few years of maintaining your goal weight, but most likely will not tighten up all the way. I've seen a lot of people elect to have surgery in the end because of it. However those who don't tell me that it doesn't bother them that much. That you can't see it through the clothes and it only becomes an issue if you want wear a bikini or something. I hope that helps. and good luck on your weight loss journey!

    Thank you! A polite response.

    Anyway, I have been reading on forums non stop for days, although I realize the input may be minimal, I am trying to get the input from people who have accomplished this without surgery. And YES some have.
  • rides4sanity
    rides4sanity Posts: 1,269 Member
    Wow... I get that you have a purpose for this post, but you are missing out on a lot of valuable information by putting such stipulations on the responses... I'm over 40, I've lost over 70 pounds... I have some loose skin, though it is getting better with time. Sorry... Good luck!
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
    Yes try not to lose too fast. Drink plenty of water. Get cardio and some sit ups and or crunches.
    I am in better shape at 40 than I was at 20.

    Good Luck

    29509743.png
  • al369
    al369 Posts: 170 Member
    I'm 26. I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy and now I'm at my lowest adult weight. I'm down about 70lbs from my top pregnancy weight (I use the pregnancy weight when talking about loose skin, because that seems applicable).

    So, yes. I have a lot of loose skin on my stomach. Yes, I've done strength training all along. I have real abs for the first time. With loose skin over it. My legs and upper arms have a little loose skin too, but it's only noticeable in certain positions or if I pinch it (doesn't have the elasticity normal 20somethings have).

    It's mostly going to be about how slowly you lose the weight and genetics.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Yes try not to lose too fast. Drink plenty of water. Get cardio and some sit ups and or crunches.
    I am in better shape at 40 than I was at 20.

    Good Luck

    29509743.png

    Thank you!
  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    Well, I am 64 (next week). I joined MFP in 2010. I lost over 70 lbs (I lost 10 before joining MFP) I lost it in a year and half, going slowly, cardio 2 to 4 x a week (2x were long walks), weights 2x a week. I have maintained a 7lb range for 3 years .As you age, skin is ess elastic and does not 'recondition itself as quickly. I addressed the loose skin with moderate success. 1) continued exercise, lots of water and moisturizer helped significantly over TIME. 2) I did have reconstructive breast surgery to 'restore' and eliminate the sagging. Worth every penny! 3) Tummy and arms are still a bit saggy but respond well to continued workouts. If I were a bit younger I might consider a tummy tuck, but as a person with 8 grandkids and on great grandbaby - I am very comfortable with how I look (and still get mistaken for being 10 years or more younger than I am). 4) Don't sweat the loose skin, just work on it. It is better to be healthy.

    Addition: Besides walking - lots, I used ellipticals, treadmills, a few weight machines but mostly free weights. Free weights were the best bang for my buck!!!!!
  • flow2512
    flow2512 Posts: 74 Member
    I am 51, I have lost a total of 80 lbs taking me from 215 lbs to 135 lbs, I am 5 ft 5" tall
    I lost the weight throughout the last 18 months. I lost 40 lbs, then stayed at that weight for a good few weeks, then lost some more, then some more, I have had about 3 months now at 135 lbs and stayed within a five pound range and I have restarted for the last bit now, to lose the last 14 lbs.
    I have given birth 4 times, with one section.- I have no loose skin as Sutch, as I still have fat on my stomach to lose, apart from bingo wings, I think they are called, that is the only loose skin I have on my upper arms.
    I suffer a lot with arthritis, in hips, hands and shoulders, so I don't do a lot of weight lifting etc, but I walk 5 miles a day, every day on my treadmill (I have to be inside for my business) . Hope this helps
  • I am 44 and have lost 9 lbs. in 2 months and do not have loose skin. I do have some work to tighten up my stomach area but other than that I don't have this problem. I will be starting up on P90X which I would recommend to you to help you tone and tighten your muscles and maybe help some with your loose skin. Mayble even some cream or lotions would help now in slowing down the loose skin, I use all kinds of creams and lotions on my face, breasts, neck area to help maintain them in good form or shape. Hope I helped.
  • PAnn1
    PAnn1 Posts: 530 Member
    I lost 82#. I was 54 then, and pushing 60 now. The first year I had loose skin, but within a year or so I noticed more firming. I think it takes time and exercise (toning and strength training along with cardio). I lost my weight in 8 months. I just started incorporating weights on a more regular basis now and do notice a lot of improvement with my bat wings. I do think that age (and yes, genetics) plays a big part in this, as our skin looses elasticity as we age, and for women thru menopause years. Smoking plays a part in belly fat. I was a smoker up until this June, but when I lost the weight, I have to say, I was amazed that, for the most part I lost a lot of belly fat. Best wishes on your journey. You had very valid questions here. Many of us worry about the loose skin after a big weight loss.
  • rides4sanity
    rides4sanity Posts: 1,269 Member
    Oh, you can check my profile pics... Loose skin isn't the end of the world... I rocked that bikini!
  • davis978
    davis978 Posts: 103 Member
    If you really want to know how to lose weight without ending up with loose skin, the experience of people who "failed" could be just as informative as the experience of people who "succeeded" (in quotes because I don't equate skin with failure).

    I think that you asked very specifically for responses only from a very narrow group of people because your goal is to feel better, not to get information. That's fine - nothing wrong with that., but this forum is a tough place when that is the goal. You are just trying to get people to tell you what you want to hear, and, in my experience on this forum, that rarely goes well. I think that is why some people have reacted to your original post in a way you find mean and negative.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    Well, I am 64 (next week). I joined MFP in 2010. I lost over 70 lbs (I lost 10 before joining MFP) I lost it in a year and half, going slowly, cardio 2 to 4 x a week (2x were long walks), weights 2x a week. I have maintained a 7lb range for 3 years .As you age, skin is ess elastic and does not 'recondition itself as quickly. I addressed the loose skin with moderate success. 1) continued exercise, lots of water and moisturizer helped significantly over TIME. I did have reconstructive breast surgery to 'restore' and eliminate the sagging. Worth every penny! Tummy and arms are still a bit saggy but respond well to continued workouts. If I were a bit younger I might consider a tummy tuck, but as a person with 8 grandkids and on great grandbaby - I am very comfortable with how I look (and still get mistaken for being 10 years or more younger than I am). Don't sweat the loose skin, just work on it. It is better to be healthy.

    Addition: Besides walking - lots, I used ellipticals, treadmills, a few weight machines but mostly free weights. Free weights were the best bang for my buck!!!!!

    Thank you!

    My skin at 40 is rather tight. I never go in the sun . When it comes to my breasts I realize this is a different ball game when all is said and done, but I will deal with that when the time comes.

    I honestly could loose about 50 lbs to be at a healthy weight but "ideal" (meaning very low body fat) would be 70 according to some charts. But with the weight lifting I plan to do, I am thinking 50 may be a more accurate number
  • caesar164
    caesar164 Posts: 312 Member
    Lose the weight first and worry about that later.. As long as you train hard, you should be fine. Its better to be at a healthy weigh range then to be overweight with firm skin. Good luck.
  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    I am 51, I have lost a total of 80 lbs taking me from 215 lbs to 135 lbs, I am 5 ft 5" tall
    I lost the weight throughout the last 18 months. I lost 40 lbs, then stayed at that weight for a good few weeks, then lost some more, then some more, I have had about 3 months now at 135 lbs and stayed within a five pound range and I have restarted for the last bit now, to lose the last 14 lbs.
    I have given birth 4 times, with one section.- I have no loose skin as Sutch, as I still have fat on my stomach to lose, apart from bingo wings, I think they are called, that is the only loose skin I have on my upper arms.
    I suffer a lot with arthritis, in hips, hands and shoulders, so I don't do a lot of weight lifting etc, but I walk 5 miles a day, every day on my treadmill (I have to be inside for my business) . Hope this helps

    Great Job Woman!!!!! It kills me to be on my treadmill more than 30min. LOL
  • keeponkickin
    keeponkickin Posts: 1,520 Member
    I'm 47, lost 110 pounds in my first year on MFP and have been maintaining almost 3 years. While I don't meet quite your guidelines as my skin isn't tight as a drum, like a teenager, my skin is in good shape. Is there some areas that bug me, yes. More so from having had four children and four c-sections but everywhere else looks good (you can see pics in my profile). Your skin is probably tight now from being over weight. Once the 70 pounds come off you might notice some issues and you might not. The deal is, just lose the weight and deal with what comes with it. Sure, drink plenty of water, moisturize, lift weights and all that jazz but the bottom line is even if you have some loose skin, you'll be healthier and happier for losing the weight. Good luck to you.
  • lalalalalaurie
    lalalalalaurie Posts: 80 Member
    I am 51, I have lost a total of 80 lbs taking me from 215 lbs to 135 lbs, I am 5 ft 5" tall
    I lost the weight throughout the last 18 months. I lost 40 lbs, then stayed at that weight for a good few weeks, then lost some more, then some more, I have had about 3 months now at 135 lbs and stayed within a five pound range and I have restarted for the last bit now, to lose the last 14 lbs.
    I have given birth 4 times, with one section.- I have no loose skin as Sutch, as I still have fat on my stomach to lose, apart from bingo wings, I think they are called, that is the only loose skin I have on my upper arms.
    I suffer a lot with arthritis, in hips, hands and shoulders, so I don't do a lot of weight lifting etc, but I walk 5 miles a day, every day on my treadmill (I have to be inside for my business) . Hope this helps

    Thanks for your input!

    I haven't had children, I wonder if that will play into the tightness as well? In either case, Thanks for your helpful input. Good to know what you did.
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,233 Member
    I am 62 and lost over 80 pounds. I lost it slowly. I did do some weight training. I do have some loose skin, but it is getting better with time. At my age there wasn't a lot of elasticity left and I had been fat for a long time. You will find a very small number of people, if any, that do not have this problem at all. Do not make this a deterrent to your losing weight. It is so worth it. Congrats on your decision to get healthier. Good luck!