Fear of saggy skin and wrinkles

Skin can take 2 years to bounce back, so whether you lose in 6 months or a year, it's just not going to make a difference (in my case, I've been at this weight for 2 years and I haven't noticed ANY difference, for what it's worth). It depends on how long you were overweight, your age, your genetics, and how overweight you are, pretty much.

I have loose skin... under my chin (ugh), in the inside of my thighs, under my arms, and the worst of it on my belly (over the belly button and the lower part). The hard part is realizing that you won't reach the aesthetic goal you were aiming for.. at this point the more inches I lose, the worse it gets... and yeah I don't look too good naked... but I look good in clothes. I look older, IMO, but my goal isn't that low (a bit over the mid range for healthy BMI) so I don't have a very skinny face... I'd probably look older if I lost more.

Despite everything, it's still worth it just to be healthier, fitter, and not running out of breath all the time.

I would rather have a bit of sag on an otherwise fit body than skin that is firm and smooth because it's filled out with excess fat. That is what it comes down to, for me. I look younger, or at least more age appropriate now that I'm 50 lbs lighter. Before, I looked like a frumpy middle aged Midwestern mom. Now I look like a fit and healthy 39 yo.

You are smart to be doing this now- you may rebound nicely (though maybe not to the level you might hope). I've got a decade on you and have spent most of my adult life in the obese range. I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that this is going to be a permanent consequence of how disrespectfully I've treated my body all of these years. And yep, I look my age now. But I feel great (except for the whole perimenopausal thing)

I have lost 80 so far and I have age and genetics against me--over 50 with brittle skin. Yes, I have lots of loose skin, but I've also been told I look twenty years younger nevertheless.

In my opinion, vanity-based reservations over loose skin are not a reason to not lose weight. No one but you will ever see most of it, and the multitude of physical and psychological health benefits more than outweigh it. Some sagging skin versus being obese? Not even a contest.

I also agree with @besaro regarding rate of loss. I've yet to see anyone produce peer-reviewed data on the relationship between skin elasticity and rate of weight loss. I think that people who lose the weight quickly just notice it more.

I'm 51 and lost 30 lbs last year. It may have been my post that got you concerned. All I can do it repeat: my happiness at being slim and fit with defined muscles greatly surpasses my irritation with a few wrinkles. But then, a few wrinkles are not unusual for women my age.

I love being 50+ and much of this feeling is because I'm now happy with my body. Don't worry about a few wrinkles as there are other things at are more important in life about which we should be preoccupied.

I've lost 70 pounds (18 more to go!) and yes, I have some saggy skin on my lower abdomen, arms, upper thighs. But I would rather have a little saggy skin than the 70 pounds back. Besides once I get to goal and see what it looks like after a year - some minor skin removal on my lower tummy doesn't seem nearly as daunting as losing weight. And the scar....well a scar can be hidden easier than the weight!! Btw I'm 39 and losing the weight has made me look younger.
And feel younger!!
You'll thank yourself - especially when you look at your before pictures!!
Besides like previous posters have mentioned, it may not even happen to you - don't let 'what if' roadblocks get in your way!

Stats: F/39
Start: 223
Current: 153
Goal: 135
Journey started 8/11/2014

A lot of people who do very restrictive diets seem to end up very gaunt and grey-complected. I believe that a good dietary balance, with plenty of protein and healthy fats, and plenty of water, keeps the complexion looking fresh and lively. And of couse, stay as active as possible to keep a good muscle base under the skin and good circulation for that healthy glow. A smiling face goes a long way to improving the appearance, too!

I am 40, have lost 90 pounds and have no wrinkles on my face.

It's not an inevitability.

I lost my weight in my 50's and am 62 now. When I initially reached my goal my face was gaunt, rather than having extra wrinkles, an this made me look miserable.
However after about a year my face had adjusted to the lesser amount of subcutaneous fat, and though slimmer, is no more wrinkled than it was before.
It did take time for me to adjust to not having chubby little cheeks.

With regards to the fast vs slow loss difference in skin elasticity/retraction.
I think the slower loss gives one a better chance of hitting nutrition goals, above minimal, so the skin is healthier. Healthier skin will probably allow, genetics aside, for a better response when weight is lost.
Kind of like muscles, bones, organs, etc are optimised by good nutrition.

Just my thought, don't have any science behind me.

Cheers, h.

I've lost 94. I do have some saggy skin. Not a lot, but some. Sure I wish it wasn't saggy. But I would take the saggy skin over the excessive fat I had there before any day of the week.
I don't have wrinkles. And since I lost the weight, I've been told by several people that I look younger!

For me it was no question at all. My health is more important than some wrinkles or a saggy skin.

And after losing my weight and looking at it...its not that bad. Its not beautiful or nice dont get me wrong. But i can live with it np at all.
I am fit, stronger, and healthier and for who ever dont like a wrinkle or a saggy skin....well dont look at me. I didn't ask them to.