weight loss and loose skin

[Gary Turner]

Hi, this can be a problem for those who lose a large amount of weight. Here's a very generalised post.

'Fat' is actually little chains of molecules of hydrogen and carbon. Three chains attach themselves to a little 'stick' called glycerol and this is the storage form for fat. This storage form is contained within our fat cells, known as adipocytes. Our fatty tissue is made up of adipocytes and lots of other cells, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

When we 'reduce fat' we lost the triglycerides from the fat cells. This creates the reduction in weight and the reduction in volume.

However, we do not lose the fat cells - just a proportion of their content. The fat cells, and the other cells that make up the fatty tissue, remain. This, and the growth of skin cells, is the result that you are describing.

Unfortunately there is no exercise nor diet approach that can get rid of this. The only answer I'm afraid is surgery - so you'll need to talk to your doctor about this...

Hope this helps,

Gary

[Jenny Radcliffe]

Hello

Just to add a little to Gary's comment....

I think the first thing to say is that you have done incredibly well to lose 5st - it is a real achievement and you should be proud of your efforts knowing that you will be repaid in terms of better health and hopefully improved quality of life. However, as you have discovered, massive weight loss does come with loose excess skin and this can be upsetting. Gary's right that exercise can tone muscle but not skin (though this is likely to help you feel better generally). Body contouring surgery to remove loose skin is effective but comes with risk of infection and can be very expensive. Give yourself and your body some time to adjust to the changes and in the meantime try writing a list of all the positive benefits of the weight loss.