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Are there down sides to weight loss?

weight loss
weight loss

Losing excess body weight is always a good things. With the epidemic of obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and many associated diseases- what would make any one unhappy about weight loss?
For many who have carried around substantial excess weight, often the skin doesn't shrink with the body. Fat takes up a lot of space. It stretches to accommodate those changes, but for many it doesn't shrink back down. Leaving the appearance of hanging, some times very unattractive folds.

There are many factors, including age and genetics, that determine how much your skin will shrink back after weight loss. The younger you are when you lose weight, the easier it will be for your skin to adapt. As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, and this is exacerbated by things like sun exposure and even gravity.

The amount of weight you lose and whether your weight has cycled dramatically throughout your lifetime will also play a role in how your skin looks. There is no scientific evidence to the popular advice that losing weight slowly will prevent skin from sagging, so focus, instead, on losing weight at a pace that works for you and your body.

What can you do if you have loose skin after losing weight? The only way to really get rid of excess skin is to have it surgically removed. If you've maintained your new weight for 12-24 months but still have excess skin, you can safely assume that it won't shrink more on its own. Body-contouring surgery can address one or more problem areas.

As with any kind of surgery, body-contouring procedures are not without risk. Full recovery can take many months, and it's usually necessary to take 2-4 weeks off work (more if you have a physically demanding job). There will certainly be pain, bruising, swelling and long-term scarring. Other risks include infection, asymmetry, uneven scarring, tissue death.

Ultimately, the choice about how to deal with excess skin after weight loss is an extremely personal one. There is no one right answer for everyone. Learning how to dress to accentuate your assets is a great first step, but there is no harm in consulting with a surgeon to discuss your unique needs and options. In the end, the most important thing to remember is that losing weight will improve your health dramatically whether you ever feel comfortable enough to wear a bikini or not.

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