If you’re pinching body fat on your stomach, for example, you won’t be able to pinch your thumb and finger almost all the way together—you’ll feel the layer of fat in between. If you try to pull the pinched flesh at least 1 in (2. 5 cm) away from your body, your grip will most likely slip off.
You can buy a skinfold caliper and use an online calculator to estimate your body fat percentage on your own, but you’re better off having a medical professional do the job so you get a more accurate result.
Excess SAT can also contribute to depression and related conditions, often tied to body image concerns.
Losing weight at a gradual pace is less likely to result in loose skin, while very rapid weight loss (such as after weight loss surgery or sometimes after pregnancy) frequently results in loose skin. [6] X Research source Skin, due to declines in collagen and elastin, naturally loses its elasticity as you age. The effects—wrinkling, sagging, or loose skin—usually begin to appear around age 40. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source While genetic factors and rare medical conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause loose skin, health issues related to smoking or frequent exposure to UV light (like sunlight) more commonly lead to wrinkles and loose skin. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In addition to excess visible body fat (subcutaneous adipose tissue or SAT), having a high BMI also increases the likelihood of excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the “invisible” fat that surrounds your internal organs. For adults, a BMI under 18. 5 is considered underweight; 18. 5-24. 9 is considered healthy weight; 25-29. 5 is considered overweight; and 30+ is considered obese. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Note: Keep in mind that you can have both loose skin and excess body fat simultaneously. For instance, if you have rapidly lost weight but are still overweight, you may have areas of loose skin as well as areas of visible body fat. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Burning fat: Do 2-3 weekly sessions of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT). You might, for instance, do a bicycle sprint for 8 seconds, then bike slowly for 12 seconds, and repeat the process for 20 minutes. Talk to your doctor regarding the best program for your circumstances. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Tightening skin: Building lean muscle with 2-3 strength training sessions (30-60 minutes each) per week can help fill out and smooth out areas of loose skin. Employ a mix of exercises like lat pulldowns, dumbbell curls, leg raises, and inclined presses for the best results. [14] X Research source
Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and helps your skin produce more collagen. Food choices include citrus and tomatoes. Vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from cell damage. Good food options include almonds and avocados. Omega-3 fatty acids, which add moisture and suppleness to your skin. Oily fish and walnuts are good food sources. Water, which hydrates your skin. Copper, zinc, iron, and selenium, which have all shown promise in supporting skin health in research studies. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Collagen peptide supplements, which may improve skin hydration and elasticity. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Cell regulators, most notably retinol, which help boost collagen production in skin. OTC and prescription treatments are available. Antioxidants, including Vitamins B3, C, and E, which protect the collagen in your skin. Again, OTC and prescription options are available.
Protect your skin from the sun by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during midday. Treat your skin gently by avoiding long, hot baths or showers, shaving with dull razors, and rubbing vigorously with a towel. Apply moisturizer when your skin feels dry. Stop smoking to improve your skin health, as well as your overall health in countless ways. Reduce stress in your life to support healthy skin.
Fat reduction treatments include: Lipolysis, non-surgical fat elimination using cold, injections, lasers, or ultrasound waves. Liposuction, surgical removal of fat tissue. Loose skin treatments are typically surgical in nature and fall into the “lift” and “tuck” category—such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), rhytidectomy (facelift), and mastopexy (breast lift).
