This is probably the one question I get asked most by everyone.  I have lost 137 pounds on Nutrisystem and my skin is not sagging.  People ask what, how and why.  I had my own ideas. Then I looked up the medical literature and literature that trainers and weight loss company owners had put together to see my thoughts compared to their thoughts.  Well most of mine are right on the money with what is said.

Some facts are just facts.  Some sagging of skin does happen according to the literature especially with rapid weight loss.  When the body carries extra weight especially over time, the skin is stretched.   Do not let this get you down.  For while it might start that way, for two years after you are done losing weight your skin is shrinking to your new shape and size.  (This is why surgeons recommend waiting two years post losing weight for any body contouring procedures.) While it is taking the time to do that, you will be needing to treat your body right as to maximize it.  Those same things can help prevent it too.  So here is the list:

1.  The best way to prevent sagging skin is too loose weight slowly. 

I think this is the single most reason besides my genetics that I don't have as many sagging issues.  While I weigh 128  today, I stopped my program to maintainence at 165.  I was happy with the way I looked.  The last thirty-seven have come off over a year and a half and without being on a "program of sorts."  I also lost about 35 to 40 pounds a year on NS for three consecutive years in three month increments due to health problems.  I maintained the new weight for nine months then ... get the picture.  My body had time to adjust to each loss.

Noone is going to want to do that.  Remember though, 0 to 2 pounds a week is a healthy loss.  Cutting the calories NS has you on to lose weight faster might hasten the loss especially if you have over 100 pounds to lose, but can hurt you in the skin sagging area as well as if your body thinks it is starving it will shut down your weight loss.  (that is a whole other story.)

2.  Water and lotions applied to your skin make a big difference.  So drink up and treat your skin with hydrating moisturizers.

Your body is sixty five percent water.  You see the effects of dehydration often on your skin first.  (dry lips, tented skin.).  You want to hydrate yourself very well.  Follow the NS recommendation of 64 oz of water.  I drink more than that as I am on a huge amount of medication and I like to keep flushing my system.  Also, hydrate your outer skin from head to toe directly out of the shower with whatever lotion you like.  This can make the elasticity of the skin improve significantly.  You want recoil so try to keep elastic going.

3.  Don't smoke.

It causes wrinkles and I believe effects collagen synthesis.  Collagen is the protein matrix of the skin.  So find a way to give it up if you have too.  It is important

4.  Exercise, weight training or strength training.

If you can exercise one hour a day three to six days a week you will go a long way to helping your skin tone back up.  As your fat layer is removed.  Long lean muscles start to show!  Don't stop after the diet it done.  This is forever.  I do weight lifting three days a week and aerobics to equal one hour total on any day I am at the gym.  Some days that is a 1/2 hour of lifting and half and hour of aerobics. 

People who weight lift actually have 16 to 17% less abdominal fat over time then someone who does aerobics or other conditioning exercises without lifting.  This does not mean you have to become a huge lifter of heavy weights but start with a pound or two and do what you can.  The results over time are unbelievable.  I credit this for most of my loss of my abdomen.

5.  Vitamins/antioxidants

These help the skin.  I am not recommending this.  You need to check with your doctor what is ok for you. 

6.  Stay out of the sun!

It causes wrinkles especially in those fair haired.  I have not allowed myself sun exposure to tan on purpose which was popular when I was young since I was 25.  I will be fifty is a few months.  I think that is an important factor for me as well as my genetics.  Darker skinned people have a thicker skin layer so they age a bit better and I think it affected my sagging.

7.  Loose sooner than later..

With every year that passes we have less elastic skin.  So do it now.  You are on the best program and you are going to make it happen.

 This is some of the stuff you can try to do along the way and maybe it would help.  Remember you will be healthier and happier and in smaller clothing regardless of skin.  Get to the exercising and strength training and above all be patient.  Good things take time and you have time for you.  You are worth it!

Before abdominal pic.. I think I weight 245 here and not the twenty pounds more I went up.

     The after abs     

Big hugs and lots of love,

Cheri