Research Corner - Q&A Loose Skin After Weight Loss by Noah Hittner | Date Released : 17 May 2005 0 comments Print Close Question: I have a client who is worried about a little excess skin that has resulted from weight loss. To my knowledge, this skin will shrink back to it's original size in time, as she has not lost that much fat. Is this correct? What are the basic properties of skin elasticity, and how best can we support this with diet and exercise? Answer: The skin, otherwise know as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body with the responsibility of many important functions such as external protection from disease and injury, regulation of body fluids, absorption of light, gases, toxins and others and the synthesis of melanin, keratin and vitamin D. It is very important to understand that the skin (with the exception of a majority of the outer layer) is a living entity that is constantly dying off and being replaced. There are three basic layers to the skin. Epidermis - Composed of squamous epithelium cells of up to five layers. All of these layers of cells, except the deepest, are dead. Dermis- Deep to and thicker than the Epidermis, this layer is very alive and contains blood vessels as well as many nerves, glands and hair follicles. This layer contains many elastic/collagenous fibers to support and give tension to the skin. Hypodermis - Deep to the Dermis, this layer is composed primarily of loose fibrous connective tissue, adipose cells (fat) and blood vessels. To directly address you question, the health/elasticity of these three layers will greatly depend on a number of factors such as age, health and overall vitality or lack thereof of your client in conjunction with the original size of your client and how quickly/slowly the weight was lost. Keep in mind that one's health on the inside will be directly reflected by the health shown on the outside. How can the body manufacture/regenerate high quality skin cells on a diet of coffee, McDonald's and pop tarts? The following specific factors need to be considered. Nutritional status. Is your client: Eating high quality enzyme/vitamin/mineral/phytonutrient rich whole foods, preferably certified organic? Eating according to her metabolic type (Please see "Metabolic Typing" by Noah Hittner)? Consuming high quality fatty acids from essential/non-saturated sources (Omega 3s, DHA/EPA from fish oils) and saturated (organic/free range animal fats) sources for optimal cell membrane integrity as well as countless other benefits? Drinking half her bodyweight in ounces of clean chlorine/fluoride free water daily? Getting to bed by 10pm each night? Exercise. Does your client: Perform the right type of strength exercise? Perform too much aerobic exercise (Please see "Cardio Training" by Paul Chek)? The factors above will play a great role in determining your client's digestive health. A lifetime of stress (professional, personal, spiritual), dehydration (by way of coffee, soda, Gatorade, processed milk, etc.), malnourishment (processed non-organic foods), inadequate sleep (less than nine to 12 hours per night) and toxicity (pollution, conventionally farmed/raised foods, plastics, etc.) can result in what's known as leaky gut syndrome. This is where lining of the intestine becomes inflamed (due the stressors just mentioned), causing many digestive problems. Because we truly "are what we eat," this ultimately results in any number of health issues including weight gain, fat retention and, of course, unhealthy skin. So, will your client's skin go completely back to normal? It is quite possible with time, though not a guarantee. Ultimately, it is up to her and how much of a priority she makes this endeavor. The holistic nutrition, exercise and lifestyle/stress reduction program(s) outlined in the book "How to Eat, Move & Be Healthy!" by Paul Chek could give your client an excellent chance of accomplishing her goal. (Click here to read Chapter 1.) I hope this information leads you and your client in the right direction. Reference: Van De Graaf, K.M., Fox, S.I. (1995). Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology. Fourth Edition. Back to top About the author: Noah Hittner In his time in the health and fitness industry, Noah Hittner worked with a wide range of clientele—from the high school athlete to the senior citizen. This experience, in great part, still inspires his work today. Now, years past his days as a fitness professional, Noah has turned his focus to writing and music. His books and songs explore the process of human consciousness and the quest for personal freedom. Noah now approaches his work, as well as his life, with self-honesty as his first intention and his top priority. It is with this intention in mind that he aims to connect with the lives of as many people as possible in an inspiring and empowering way. Noah's books include The Modern-Day Buddha, Beyond Victim and Villain, and Something to Give Back. Full Author Details Related content Content from Noah Hittner Loose Skin After Pregnancy Noah Hittner | Articles Cardio Training Paul Chek | Articles Metabolic Typing Noah Hittner | Articles How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy!: Chapter 1 Paul Chek | Articles Extreme Raw Fooding: Part 2 Noah Hittner | Articles Extreme Raw Fooding: Part 1 Noah Hittner | Articles Resistance Bands with Weights Noah Hittner | Articles Dangers of Sugar Noah Hittner | Articles Overtrained Teen Athletes Noah Hittner | Articles Injured, Fragile and Obese Noah Hittner | Articles Training Muscle Groups Noah Hittner | Articles SMR with "The Stick" Noah Hittner | Articles Foot Position for Squats Noah Hittner | Articles Menopause and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Weight Lifting and Arteries Noah Hittner | Articles Fibromyalgia Noah Hittner | Articles High Cholesterol Noah Hittner | Articles Hyperglycemia Noah Hittner | Articles Loose Skin After Pregnancy Noah Hittner | Articles Dear God, Don't Eat That! Part 3 Noah Hittner | Articles Prescription Drugs and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Loose Skin After Weight Loss Noah Hittner | Articles Cervical Flexors Noah Hittner | Articles Dear God, Don't Eat That! Part 2 Noah Hittner | Articles Training for Musical Wind Instruments Noah Hittner | Articles Gynecomastia Noah Hittner | Articles Auto Racing Conditioning Noah Hittner | Articles Towel Pulldown Noah Hittner | Articles Hamstring Machine Noah Hittner | Articles Trendelenburg Test Noah Hittner | Articles Anaerobic Threshold Noah Hittner | Articles Bodyweight Exercise for Strength Noah Hittner | Articles Chondromalacia Noah Hittner | Articles Upper Body Training Without Equipment Noah Hittner | Articles Stress and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles CortiSlim Noah Hittner | Articles Hamstring Machine Compensation Noah Hittner | Articles Injury During Dips Noah Hittner | Articles Rheumatoid Arthritis Noah Hittner | Articles Metabolic Typing Noah Hittner | Articles Obesity & Core Strength Noah Hittner | Articles Osteopenia Noah Hittner | Articles Cosmetic Surgery Noah Hittner | Articles Metabolic Typing Noah Hittner | Articles Distended Abdominals Noah Hittner | Articles Muscle Size Asymmetry Noah Hittner | Articles Dear God, Don't Eat That! Part 1 Noah Hittner | Articles NSAIDs Danger Noah Hittner | Articles De-Fatted, De-Hydrated and Net-Carb Count Noah Hittner | Articles Cervical Spine Pain and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Muscle Imbalance - Pecs Noah Hittner | Articles Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Noah Hittner | Articles Ab Work Before or After Exercise? Noah Hittner | Articles Lean Muscle Building for the Core Noah Hittner | Articles Programming Basics - Part 2 Noah Hittner | Articles Fartlek, Pre-Exhaust, Plyometrics and Peripheral Heart Action Noah Hittner | Articles Intestinal Gas Noah Hittner | Articles Muscle Imbalance Correction Noah Hittner | Articles Programming Basics - Part 1 Noah Hittner | Articles Functional Balance for Dancers Noah Hittner | Articles Periodization of the Core Noah Hittner | Articles Foot Supination: Domino Effect Noah Hittner | Articles Forced Negatives – Weightlifting Noah Hittner | Articles Lat Pull Techniques Noah Hittner | Articles Calcium and Weight Loss Noah Hittner | Articles Free Weights vs. Soreness Noah Hittner | Articles Sleep, Water & Food Noah Hittner | Articles Heel to Toe Crunch Technique Noah Hittner | Articles Smith Machine - Proper Use? Noah Hittner | Articles Glute Firing with Leg Press Noah Hittner | Articles Core Muscle Response to Food Allergies Noah Hittner | Articles Female Body Building Noah Hittner | Articles Posterior Oblique System Noah Hittner | Articles Single Leg Press Peculiarities Noah Hittner | Articles Want Abs? Part 2 Noah Hittner | Articles Leg Amputation Client Noah Hittner | Articles Functional vs. Traditional Training Noah Hittner | Articles Muscle Imbalance - Shoulders Noah Hittner | Articles VMO Strengthening Noah Hittner | Articles Lower Pectoral Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Want Abs? Part 1 Noah Hittner | Articles Interval Training Benefits Noah Hittner | Articles Avoiding the Traditional Pitfalls of Training - Part 2 Noah Hittner | Articles Oblique Training – Are Side Bends Good or Bad? Noah Hittner | Articles Reverse Grip Bench Press Noah Hittner | Articles Spine Position with Ab Exercises Noah Hittner | Articles Achilles Tendon Injury Rehab Noah Hittner | Articles Overhead Squat Noah Hittner | Articles Neutral Spine or Pelvic Tilt? Noah Hittner | Articles One Arm Push Ups Noah Hittner | Articles Figure Skating Noah Hittner | Articles Sailing – Around the World Noah Hittner | Articles Upright Row Controversy Noah Hittner | Articles Avoiding the Traditional Pitfalls of Training - Part 1 Noah Hittner | Articles Football: Preseason Preparation Noah Hittner | Articles Dips on a Bench Noah Hittner | Articles Serratus Anterior Strengthening Noah Hittner | Articles Water Skiing – Strength and Balance Noah Hittner | Articles Neck Machines Noah Hittner | Articles Tricep Machines vs. Cables Noah Hittner | Articles Fitter and Body Blade Exercises Noah Hittner | Articles Hydraulic Machines Noah Hittner | Articles Flatter Abs Noah Hittner | Articles ITB Flexibility Noah Hittner | Articles Leg Extension/Curl Machines Noah Hittner | Articles Jumpers Hip Noah Hittner | Articles Knee Reconstruction - Post Rehab Strength Training Noah Hittner | Articles Knee Extension Mechanics Noah Hittner | Articles Vertebral Subluxations – Risks and Treatment Noah Hittner | Articles Neck Strengthening Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Straight Arm Pulldown Grip Noah Hittner | Articles Torso Twist Machine Noah Hittner | Articles Hamstring Machines Noah Hittner | Articles Shoulder ROM with DB Press Noah Hittner | Articles Shoulder Rehab - AC Joint Separation Noah Hittner | Articles Movement Dysfunction Noah Hittner | Articles Squatting with Hip Belts Noah Hittner | Articles Good Morning Noah Hittner | Articles Scapular Winging Noah Hittner | Articles Split Routines Noah Hittner | Articles VMO - Strengthening the Quads Noah Hittner | Articles Groin Injury Noah Hittner | Articles Muscle Fibre - Types and Functions Noah Hittner | Articles Torso Rotation Machine - Is it Harmful? Noah Hittner | Articles Chest Muscles Condition - Excavates Pectus Noah Hittner | Articles Neck Strength Noah Hittner | Articles Dislocated Patella Noah Hittner | Articles Hypertrophy Training Muscle Overuse Noah Hittner | Articles Weak Shoulders Noah Hittner | Articles Building Push-Up Endurance Noah Hittner | Articles Dislocated Knees Noah Hittner | Articles Lat Pull Down Technique Noah Hittner | Articles Prolotherapy and Exercise Noah Hittner | Articles Knee Tendonitis for Ex-Footballer Noah Hittner | Articles Lacto-ovo Vegetarian Noah Hittner | Articles Auto Racing Conditioning Noah Hittner | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top