Just curious, but why is it that it's only been in the last few years that the subject of hanging skin after weight loss has been such an issue? 20 years ago they didn't talk about that problem? Does the hanging skin problem only happen with rapid weight loss, or does it happen to everyone?
I'm 5Ɗ" and I weigh 240. I'm having health problems, and my doctor says that I absolutely HAVE to lose this weight or else I will be risking my life very soon. As a result, I have hired a personal trainer and I'll be working out at a wonderful gym.
I'm committed to this weight loss, and I know it's going to happen. I just don't want to end up thinner with hanging skin.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your assistance
Robin

Good luck on your weight loss journey. To minimize the hanging skin, you should make sure to incorporate a good strength training routine into your workout. This will help somewhat and tone your muscles. The more rapid the weight loss, the more likely the skin will hang. It depends on the individual, their age, and the elasticity of the skin. I would encourage you to continue losing weight and if you find that once you have reached your goals, your skin hangs, then it is entirely possible to have this excess skin removed through surgery. Personally, I dont buy into many of those body creams/collagen/etc...Best of luck to you! :)

Sorry, Robin. Your skin has long lost the elasticity because of your weight. There is nothing you can do to prevent getting hanging skin. You just have to have it removed after you lose all the weight. Yes, it's expensive and insurance doesn't usually cover it---unless your doctor deems it "medically necessary." But that's rare.

Hello robin! glad to hear your getting on the right track./ I can suggest collagen supplements. itll make the skin firmer so it wont hang as much. Also, make sure you take plenty of Omega 3,6, and 9 ESSENTIAL fatty acids. Although i wasnt overweight.,ive been a heavy smoker since 11, and my arteries started to hurt severely. I took omega 3 ,6 ,9 and after a week the pain was gone. I am in better shape and my circulation is great! Also, stretching your muscles works. use cocoa butter / olive butter for your stretch marks (if they appear) and your skin shouldnt be hanging that much. good luck robin! take care

I have lost over one hundered pounds a few years ago and had no issues with hanging skin. The problems with hanging skin comes from your skins ability to stay elastic and also how long you have been overweight. The longer you have been obese the less likely the chance your skin and bounce back.

In my opinion we weren't as body focused as we are now.
Say in the 1950s or 60s, women used girdles. Bikinis were rare and girls didn't wear the skimpy outfits that they do now. Then the 1980s, disco & fitness clubs, and a preoccupation with thinness, skin appearance and plastic surgery.
I think hanging skin is more a problem in the last 20 years because people are increasingly obese. More stretch marks = more hanging skin, and that can't be reversed.
I think you might have to bite the bullet on hanging skin if it's due to stretch marks. You can either live with it (girdle type garments are more attractive now) or begin saving for reconstructive surgery.
We discuss plastic surgery options and how to get approval for members on the Kimkins diet website. Usually for people who have lost 100+ pounds.

I don't know why hanging skin has become so popular (for lack of a better word) these days. Good question. I can't help with that part of your question, but I can help you find a solution. Skin brushing!! Sounds kinda odd, I know, but it will really help. It really boosts circulation, and it also helps move lymph, which helps with toxins, etc. You can buy a brush in just about any health food store, I'm sure, but I order mine from t-tapp.com.
Here's a link that will tell you more about skin brushing. The main focus is on cellulite, but it WILL talk about loose skin, too. http://www.t-tapp.com/home/cellulite.asp
You don't *have* to order the whole kit if you don't want to, but I would recommend it.

It depends on your age and how fast you lose the weight. The younger you are, the better your elasticity. As people age, their skin loses elasticity. I'm not sure how fast you plan on losing weight, but if it's at a steady (not rapid) rate, then you shouldn't worry about sagging skin. Maybe while you're in the process of losing weight, buy skin firming lotions or creams.
Since you've hired a personal trainer, I'd suggest that you ask him/her about these concerns, and I'm sure they'd be able to help you.
Good luck!! :)

There are plenty of body firming creams on the market. You could even try going into your local Whole Foods or Health Food Store, I think they tend to carry a Superior quality of skin care products.