Skin elasticity, the ability of the skin to stretch and retract, determines the amount of loose skin left over after weight loss. Several factors influence elasticity, including genetics, age, skin condition, skin care, how long the skin remained in the stretched condition, and the speed and amount of weight loss. Some people find that their skin retracts quickly after weight loss. Others may be able to remove excess skin only through surgical measures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Amount
The amount of skin left over after a diet depends primarily on how much weight is lost. People who lose 30 to 40 lbs. have less loose skin left over than those who lose 100 lbs. or more. The amount of skin left over is also affected by the additional aforementioned factors. The amount of loose skin ranges from a slight sagging and looseness that will firm up over time to inches of leftover skin that require surgery to correct.
Speed
Quick weight loss, averaging more than 2 lbs. per week, results in more loose skin than slow, healthy weight loss, according to All Women's Talk. When you shed pounds quickly, the skin does not have time to retract and shrink along with the new body size, resulting in excess skin. This phenomenon is most evident in patients who lose weight quickly after gastric bypass surgery. Many gastric bypass patients undergo plastic surgery to remove large folds of skin left over after their abrupt weight loss.
Age
Skin loses elasticity with age. Younger skin retracts more readily than older skin. People who lose weight at a young age will likely have less loose skin than an older person who loses the same amount of weight.
Genetics
Genetics determines skin type and condition as well as the elasticity of the skin. Those who are genetically predisposed to poor elasticity, premature aging and sagging skin will notice more loose skin after weight loss. Unfortunately, genetics is an uncontrollable factor.
Prevention
Lose weight slowly to prevent excessive loose skin after weight loss. All Women's Talk recommends losing fewer than 2 lbs. per week. Use a good moisturizer, and drink plenty of water. Properly hydrated skin retracts better than dehydrated skin, so drink eight cups of water per day. Exercising will build up and tone your muscles, creating a firm and smooth surface for skin to lie on, which may help skin appear smoother and tighter.
References
- Body Fat Guide: The Myth of Loose Skin
- All Women's Talk: 12 Ways to Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The UM Center for Weight Management and Wellness
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Fit and Healthy: How to Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss
