With a slower, more gradual weight loss, it's easier for a person's skin elasticity to sort of snap back into place, shrinking back down as the fat is lost. But when too much is lost too fast, the skin's elasticity doesn't have time to catch up. To get rid of the loose skin, exercise helps, a little.
Invasive procedures like tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks can remove the fat cells and tighten the excess skin of the stomach area. A traditional tummy tuck involves an invasive surgery of the middle and lower stomach area, wherein an incision is made along the bikini line. It is also used to treat muscle separation.
“In general, it can take anywhere from weeks to months—even years,” says Dr. Chen. If after one to two years skin is still loose, it may not get any tighter, she says.
Losing a lot of weight can result in more loose skin than simple lifestyle changes can handle. However, by using some methods at home and with a health professional, you'll be able to make some improvements to your skin quality and overall look.
You should include foods that are rich in collagen and elastin to your diet. Milk, legumes, cottage cheese, beans, nuts and fish are examples of foods that contain elastin and collagen. They help with skin firmness, strength and elasticity.
In addition to cardio, ab exercises can help you start getting rid of excess belly fat and flatten and tone the stomach area.
Depending on the intensity and the consistency of your workout, it will take 4 to 8 weeks for your muscles to get toned.
How vitamin D deficiency leads to accelerated skin aging isn't fully understood. However, some experts suspect it has something to do with vitamin D's protective and antioxidant properties on the skin.
Loose skin after weight loss is not permanent and will disappear over time. After a month or two, you should no longer see excess skin hanging from your body. If you are still having problems with excess skin, then you should see a doctor.
If you gained your weight over a small period of time, and you lose it over a small period of time, you are really likely to get loose skin. On the other hand, if you got your weight on a slower pace and will lose in a slower pace, you are less likely to end up with loose skin.
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr.
Bone broth
Dr. Bradley says her favorite collagen-boosting brew is bone broth. Bone broth draws collagen out of beef, chicken or fish bones, leaving a flavorful liquid that you can drink straight up or use in other dishes.
Eating foods that contain vitamin C and antioxidants, avoiding smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and protecting the skin from sunlight may all help preserve collagen or boost its production.
Without proper hydration your muscles don't get the maximized results they could be if you were providing healthy liquids for your muscles to rely on. Not only that, but your body relies on electrolytes and proper hydration to provide you with the energy needed to blast through exercises.
Focus on building muscle
While moving your body in ways you enjoy is arguably the most important thing, transitioning from "skinny fat" to "toned" requires strength training.
Losing belly fat and getting a flat stomach is done through achieving a caloric deficit by eating less, exercising more, and doing that for at least 6-12 weeks. The more stubborn your belly fat is, the more strict and consistent you need to be with your diet and exercises regimen throughout that period.