Keto Means
Keto Means
Photo: Alena Shekhovtcova
However, larger amounts of weight loss, such as 50 pounds and over, especially over a short period, can considerably increase your risk of loose skin. Your genetics and age will also play an important role in determining how much weight loss causes loose skin.
ages 40 and 60 Why does metabolic rate slow down for women? Over time, studies have shown that metabolic rate (how fast we burn calories) starts to...
Read More »
Though going to bed hungry can help with sleep and weight loss, lack of access to food can actually increase your risk of obesity, asthma, and...
Read More »Have you considered clinical trials for Weight management? We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Weight management, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available - and be a part of finding a cure. Check your eligibility What causes loose skin after weight loss? Your skin consists of elastin and collagen, two essential proteins that give your skin its firm appearance, strength, and elasticity. The fibers in collagen and elastin help skin stretch without tearing during weight gain and periods of rapid growth¹. Weight gain and old age can weaken these protein fibers, causing them to become damaged. When significant weight loss occurs, it's then hard for the collagen and elastin fibers to return to their original, pre-weight-gain state². This is mainly observed when rapid weight loss occurs, as the fibers shrink and contract too quickly. This is what leads to loose or excess skin during significant weight loss. Over time, the fibers weaken, and the skin is unable to contract as it did before. Younger skin is also able to bounce back better, so your age can play a big part in the development of loose skin too³. Furthermore, the more weight you gain, the more stretched the skin protein fibers will become. These fibers will stretch and adapt while overweight, so when you lose weight quickly, it will be much harder for the stretched skin fibers to retract to their original length. How much weight loss causes loose skin? This usually varies from individual to individual. However, in most cases, small amounts of weight loss, such as 20 or fewer pounds, typically don't lead to the development of loose skin. However, larger amounts of weight loss, such as 50 pounds and over, especially over a short period, can considerably increase your risk of loose skin. Your genetics and age will also play an important role in determining how much weight loss causes loose skin. For example, some studies have suggested that those of Caucasian descent show earlier signs of skin aging and are more prone to skin sagging than other ethnicities, due to specific skin physiological mechanisms⁴. Can loose skin be prevented? For most people, loose skin doesn't cause any harm to their health and is a natural part of a significant weight loss journey that should be celebrated. However, for some people, loose skin could be a source of discomfort or body image issues that might affect their self-esteem. It is also possible for loose skin to become irritated or even infected. The key to minimizing loose skin is maintaining healthy muscle tissue, improving the percentage of lean muscle mass, and consequently having a taut skin appearance. If muscle mass is also lost alongside fat cells, this can create the appearance of looser skin. Here are several ways you can reduce your risk of developing loose skin: Slow your weight loss Give your body some time to adjust to the reduction in fat mass. Slow weight loss is also more sustainable over the long term. Aim to lose no more than one to five pounds per week, especially in the beginning. Avoid factors that contribute to skin damage Prolonged and repeated exposure to environmental factors like UV rays from the sun can alter the structure and function of the skin. Aged skin can appear dry and wrinkled and is more likely to sag⁵. Drink enough water Apart from keeping your body hydrated and healthy, getting enough water is vital for keeping your skin elastic and hydrated. A study found that increased water consumption positively impacted normal skin physiology, especially in those who didn't drink much water before⁶. Incorporate in some exercise Exercising is a great way to keep fit, but it can also improve skin elasticity. Add some resistance and weight exercises on top of cardio to maintain and build lean muscle while reducing the appearance of saggy skin⁷. Get the right nutrients through a balanced diet or supplements Collagen and elastin can be damaged by free radicals, compounds that wreak havoc on your skin. Incorporate an antioxidant-rich diet with lots of Vitamins C, E, and A to combat this⁸. Omega-3 in fish oil also has various proven benefits, including improving skin elasticity⁹. Ensure to include foods in your diet that are a high source of collagen or boost the natural collagen production, such as bone broth, non-skinned fish, chicken, eggs, leafy greens, and vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C. You can also consider trying collagen supplements. Factors that contribute to loose skin How much loose skin you have after significant weight loss will depend on your specific circumstances. The elasticity of your skin can be impacted by several factors and can even fluctuate during your life. While some people have a lot of loose skin that may require surgical intervention, others may experience no loose skin, even after extensive fat loss. Some factors that contribute to loose skin¹⁰ include: Losing a lot of weight in a short period
Brining with milk is a great way to tenderize pork and other meats. The brining process opens up the protein to absorb the flavours of your brine...
Read More »
Diabetes Symptoms Urinating often. Feeling very thirsty. Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating. Extreme fatigue. Blurry vision....
Read More »
Mood disorder: An undiagnosed anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be causing them to take picky eating to an unhealthy level. Oct...
Read More »
Almond flour is a 100% keto-approved baking flour. It is also the most widely used keto flour on shelves. However, what it lacks in carbs, it makes...
Read More »
Can You Have a Cheat Day on Keto? Having a cheat day while you're on the keto diet will take you out of the state of ketosis, Fears says. “It can...
Read More »
approximately 12 hours What is the most effective fasting time window? Fat burning typically begins after approximately 12 hours of fasting and...
Read More »
Promotion
Promotion