Why Skin Becomes Saggy After Weight Loss And How to Prevent It? Dermatologist Explains

Losing weight is often celebrated as a sign of improved health and lifestyle, but for many, it comes with an unexpected side effect of saggy skin. Dermatologists explain that while shedding kilos is beneficial for overall wellness, the skin’s response can sometimes dampen the joy of transformation. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Saloni Desai, Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Limited explained why out skin becomes saggy after weight loss.

Skin is like an elastic fabric that stretches when we gain weight. But if it stays stretched for a long time, the collagen and elastin fibres weaken. When you lose weight, especially rapidly, the skin doesn’t always contract back, leaving it loose and saggy, the doctor said. Factors such as age, genetics, sun exposure and the amount of weight lost play a key role in how the skin reacts. Younger people tend to have better skin elasticity, while older individuals may notice more laxity.

How To Prevent Or Improve Saggy Skin?

Slow And Steady Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss doesn’t give the skin enough time to adjust. A gradual approach, ideally losing 0.5–1 kg per week helps skin shrink along with the body.

Build Lean Muscle

Replacing fat with muscle helps improve body contour. Strength training and resistance exercises can reduce the appearance of sagging by filling out the skin with healthy muscle mass.

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Eat For Skin Health

Collagen and elastin rely heavily on protein and antioxidants. Experts recommend a diet rich in lean proteins, vitamin C, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin repair and elasticity.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration keeps skin plump and resilient. Experts also suggest using moisturisers with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost the skin’s suppleness externally.

Protect From The Sun

UV exposure weakens collagen and accelerates sagging. Sunscreen isn’t just for summers, it’s vital year-round, especially during weight loss when skin is already vulnerable.

Topical And Oral Supportive Treatments

Prescription-strength retinoids and antioxidant serums are topical treatments that boost collagen turnover at home while oral supplements such as hydrolysed collagen peptides, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids may further support skin elasticity from within. These medications should be started early to prevent the onset of skin laxity.

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Dermatological Procedures

For those experiencing more noticeable sagging, dermatological treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound (HIFU), fractional lasers and microneedling with growth factors or PRP can stimulate collagen and elastin production, significantly improving skin firmness after weight loss.

For individuals who have experienced major weight loss and struggle with more significant looseness, body contouring treatments offer a more comprehensive solution to reshape and refine body contours. In extreme cases, surgical options may still be considered but most people achieve satisfying results with professional dermatological care tailored to them.

Ultimately, Dr. Desai emphasises that “saggy skin after weight loss is natural and not a sign of poor health. With the right combination of slow weight reduction, nutrition, exercise and dermatological care, the skin can regain much of its firmness.”