Avoiding Loose Skin

[BexTerefe]

Hey FitBitters!

I've been struggling with my weight for years. I lost a ton the wrong way, (basically starvation with no excersize), and while I was the tiniest I'd ever been, it didn't take long for the weight to creep back on. I decided to take control and do things the right way.

I'm 5'2, currently 145lbs and my goal is to get down to 110. I've just started my diet, excersize and fitbit plans just this week, (only 2nd day with the fitbit). 

I'm concerned that once I reach my goal, I'll be met with loose and sagging skin. Any tips/tricks for avoiding this? I'm not sure if there are excersize methods or recommended lotions.

Thanks!

Bex

[papagalka]

one thing i have read, is that slow and steady weightloss is best to minimize sagging skin no more than 2lb a week.

[WendyB]

Using weights can help. But you cant spot tone any area.

[iMike]

In your case I think "slow and steady" is the right way to go.  At 145lbs you're not morbidly obese, so losing a lot of weight very quickly would be a very bad idea.  I have read a lot of diet and fitness books lately and one common theme when it comes to exercise is HIIT (high intensity interval training) because you're literally working every part of your body in one workout.  As long as you don't have any physical limitations you should be able to perform HIIT.  One such program I did before (before my last crash and burn) that was actually effective, and that I am looking into is Orangetheory Fitness.  You can Google it. 

The last time I lost a serious amount of weight I was 26.  My ideal weight range is between 145-155lbs as I'm only 5'5".  The weight came of VERY quickly with a lot of exercise and dieting.  While I kept it off for several years it very slowly crept back on, along with an additional forty pounds, because I never developed healthy habits.  I know I cannot lose the weight as quickly this time; at 37 my metabolism does not function the same as it did at 26, partly because of age and partly because I haven't really taken care of my body.  One of my biggest fears of losing weight too quickly is loose skin becaus I am now 100lbs overweight.

[Elendili]

As we age our skin loses its elasticity.  As far as I know, there isn't much you can do about that.  Since I have lost over 100 pounds, I know what it is like to have loose skin.  My doctors suggest surgery to remove it.  However, I have more weight to get rid of still so I am waiting for the final results before I decide.  I lost only 2 pounds a week.  So I guess part of how your body reacts to weight loss - especially large weight loss is very individual.  You can certanily firm up the muscle underneath though and that alone will make a huge difference.  Anybody got other ideas?

Elendili