You know that weight loss can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, improve your mood and self esteem, and give you more energy. But for some people, certain “side effects” sometimes appear – and most people don’t talk about these things! So, here’s the scoop on a few facts you might not know, along with what to do about them.
Saggy chest. You might think that only women are bothered by a “saggy chest” after losing a lot of weight, but men can experience this discomforting effect too. It just depends on how much weight you previously carried up top, how fast you lost it, and how your muscles and skin respond to weight loss. Luckily, there’s an easy solution that offers significant improvement: Weight training that targets the pectoral muscles can help you to overcome sagging.
Acne. Weight loss generally makes most people feel great about themselves, but you might not appreciate the return of your teenage complexion! Happily, this side effect is usually temporary, and will improve once your hormones adjust. In the meantime, eating a healthy diet based on plentiful fruits and veggies can provide your skin with adequate nutrition.
Hair loss. Also the result of shifting hormones, hair loss has taken many dieters by surprise. As with acne, the condition is temporary and will improve – usually within six months or less. Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fatty acids can help you combat the condition, which is luckily quite mild in most cases.
Stretch marks. You might already have stretch marks, or you could develop them as your skin changes. Many people feel that they become more noticeable with weight loss. They won’t harm you, but if you’re bothered by their appearance we have laser treatments that can help. If you choose not to treat them with cosmetic procedures, just know that they usually fade to silver or white over time.
We certainly don’t mean to frighten you with these potential “side effects” of weight loss, but we didn’t want them to take you by surprise, either! Keep in mind that most people notice only mild versions of these problems, and some people don’t experience them at all. The benefits of weight loss still far outweigh any temporary effects, but give us a call if anything is bothering you. We can help you adjust your nutrition plan or pursue cosmetic treatments that help you look and feel your best.
