How to Lose Skin From Weight Loss

Whether you lose weight for health or aesthetic reasons, losing a lot of weight in a short period of time can result in sagging skin. When the body loses 50 to 100 lbs. quickly, the skin becomes loose as body mass shrinks. The amount of loose skin you have depends on your age, genetics and your skin's elasticity. Since loose skin can be unsightly and thick folds of loose skin can become infected, there are a number of ways to tighten loose skin.

Instructions

1

Lose weight gradually. Since rapid weight loss can result in loose skin, choose diet plans that emphasize healthy eating and exercise rather than rapid weight loss. Focus on losing 1 to 2 lbs. a week, as this gradual weight loss can help your skin retain elasticity.

2

Include strength training in your exercise program. This type of exercise can firm up muscles under loose skin and make it look more toned and take away some of the sag in the skin. Work with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells to strengthen muscles. You can also use your body weight to do push-ups, pull-ups, crunches and leg squats to tighten muscles. Working on resistance-training machines can also improve the way your skin looks.

3

Eat healthy foods to maintain skin's elasticity. A low-fat, lean protein diet is important to minimize loose skin after weight loss. Protein builds up muscles, while a low-fat diet helps you keep the weight off. Eat foods rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids to help boost skin's elasticity. Examples include salmon, legumes, eggs, nuts, green tea, pomegranates and tomatoes. In addition, drink adequate amount of water (at least six to eight glasses) a day to help your skin stay hydrated and firm. Eating lots of water-rich fruits and vegetables is another way to keep your skin hydrated.

4

Consider surgery only if it is absolutely necessary. Wait six months after losing weight to ensure you have reached a stabilized weight before embarking on this decision. Consider all the pros and cons before taking this rather costly option. Surgeons can perform "body contouring" procedures to remove excess skin in arms, thighs and around the midsection of the body, or to fill in or lift deflated breasts.