Elasticity

• The younger the skin is, the more elasticity it has. While skin has the ability to tighten during weight loss, the degree in which it does depends on age. The older the individual is, the more likely loose skin will occur. Individuals who carry excess weight around for a long period of time may also be prone to excess skin. If you have carried around weight for a short period of time, you can expect that the skins tautness will return to its original appearance. Weight that is quickly gained and lost may cause skin to expand and not tighten fully, since weight loss needs to be gradual for skin to slowly resume its appearance. The best way to tighten skin with weight loss is to lose it gradually, at one to three pounds a week. Losing it slowly will allow the skin to have time to tighten up, as opposed to rapid weight loss. Apply moisturizer to the skin every day to keep it soft and supple, which will help it return back to its original state with minimal stretch marks.
  
  

Diet

• According to Harry Pino, Ph.D., of the Obesity Consult Center of Tufts-New England Medical Center, diet plays a significant role in tightening skin with weight loss. Staying hydrated with at least 64 ounces of water each day will keep the muscles and skin in optimal health. Eating a low-fat diet with lean proteins is essential in helping to reduce excess skin through increased muscle tone.
  
  

Exercise

• Adding muscle under the skin will minimize the sagging appearance after weight loss. Cedric Bryant, Ph.D, of the American Council on Exercise, advises to tone muscles to improve the skins appearance after weight loss. Combining endurance training with strength training will help to build muscle at the same time you are losing fat. Partake in a cardio activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and incorporate 45 minutes of strength training using dumbbells every other day. Resting in between strength sessions will allow the muscle to rest and rebuild to prevent injury.