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If you’ve lost a lot of weight—or are about to—you’ve probably asked yourself:
“What happens to all the extra skin?”

It’s a valid concern. The truth is, that loose skin can become a physical and emotional burden for many people. And in my years of coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how the fear of loose skin can stop someone from even starting their weight-loss journey.

Let me share two stories.

The Weight of a Memory: One Man’s Struggle with the Fear of Loose Skin

One of my clients weighed nearly 400 pounds when he came to me. He was smart, determined, and had every reason to want a healthier life. But progress was slow—not because he wasn’t trying, but because something deeper was holding him back.

After years of coaching, we uncovered the root of his hesitation:
At just nine years old, he had an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). He walked in on his mother naked—and the image of her loose, sagging skin haunted him for decades. As an adult, the subconscious fear of looking the same way kept him stuck. That’s powerful. That’s real. And he’s not alone (Felitti et al., 1998).

From 336 to 135: Mary’s Journey to Healthy Skin and a Healthy Body

Mary, another incredible client, had been overweight since childhood. At 47, she was done making excuses and hired me as her nutrition coach. We worked together using my Diet Free Life methodology, and she went from 336 pounds to 135.

What’s remarkable is this:
Despite losing over 200 pounds, Mary didn’t end up with sagging arms, legs, or neck. We focused on nutrition, strategic fat loss (not just weight loss), the right kind of movement, and targeted supplementation—including the right kind of collagen.

She did have some loose skin in the midsection, which we addressed with professional support. Ultimately, she opted for a tummy tuck, and today—almost 20 years later—she still refers people to me and to her cosmetic surgeon.

Why How You Lose Weight Matters—Especially If You’re Taking GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic

In today’s world, many people are turning to medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound to help them lose weight. But here’s something most people aren’t being told:

A significant portion of the weight lost from GLP-1 drugs is not just fat—it’s muscle.

Research published in JAMA found that over 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications can come from skeletal muscle, not fat. When that happens, it’s not just your body that suffers—it shows up in your face, your skin, your posture, and your energy levels (Lundgren et al., 2021).

You may have heard the term “Ozempic face.” It describes the sagging, gaunt, aged appearance that many people develop as they rapidly lose both fat and muscle. Skin loses its underlying structure, and with less muscle tone, the skin has nothing to “cling” to—making sagging more visible.

This is why we place so much emphasis on preserving lean muscle mass in the Diet Free Life methodology. It’s not just about the number on the scale—it’s about how you look, feel, and function during and after the weight loss.

So, What Can You Do to Minimize Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

Here’s what I’ve learned works best—whether you’ve already lost weight or are just getting started:

1. 1. Lose fat the right way – Rapid weight loss, especially with medications or starvation, often leads to sagging. Our Diet Free Life methodology helps your body burn fat while protecting muscle and supporting skin (Stiegler & Cunliffe, 2006).
   2. Move your body – Resistance training and the right kind of exercise helps maintain lean muscle mass, which supports the skin and improves how your body looks during and after weight loss (Hunter et al., 2008).
   3. Support collagen production – The right kind of collagen (with cofactors like vitamin C, zinc, and polyphenols) helps improve skin elasticity. This isn’t just about beauty—it’s science (Schunck et al., 2021; Hexsel et al., 2017).
   4. Repair from the inside out – Improving cell membrane fluidity, reducing inflammation, and optimizing nutrient absorption (with supplements like BalanceOil+ and Collagen BOOZT) can make a big difference (Tachtsis et al., 2021; López-Lluch & Navas, 2016).

Are You Concerned About Loose Skin? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’ve already lost a lot of weight and are dealing with loose skin, or you’re afraid of what might happen if you do lose the weight—you don’t have to go through this alone.

I’ve coached thousands of people just like you. And I’m inviting you to schedule a free consultation with me today.

👉 Click here to book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/dietfreelife/free-consultation

Let’s create a plan that helps you lose the fat, support your skin, and love the way you look—and feel.

References

1. 1. Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8
   2. Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., & Camozzato, F. O. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(9), 30–36.
   3. Hunter, G. R., Fisher, G., Neumeier, W. H., Carter, S. J., & Plaisance, E. P. (2018). Exercise training and energy expenditure following weight loss. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50(3), 435–441. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001465
   4. López-Lluch, G., & Navas, P. (2016). Cell membrane fluidity and mitochondria: A scenario of metabolic diseases and aging. Ageing Research Reviews, 30, 98–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.06.004
   5. Lundgren, J. R., Janus, C., Jensen, S. B. K., Juhl, C. R., Olsen, L. M., Christensen, R. M., … & Holst, J. J. (2021). Healthy weight loss maintenance with GLP-1 receptor agonists: A double-edged sword? Journal of the American Medical Association, 326(9), 924–933. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.13094
   6. Schunck, M., Oesser, S., & Proksch, E. (2021). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 34(5), 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1159/000517319
   7. Stiegler, P., & Cunliffe, A. (2006). The role of diet and exercise for the maintenance of fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate during weight loss. Sports Medicine, 36(3), 239–262. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636030-00005
   8. Tachtsis, B., Camera, D. M., & Lacham-Kaplan, O. (2021). Potential roles of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of skeletal muscle function and metabolism. Nutrients, 13(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010107

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Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, nutritionist, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, and Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health. He also serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association and the Health and Product Advisory Board for Zinzino, Inc.

You can reach Robert via email at robert@dietfreelife.com.

🗓️ Schedule a FREE consultation with Robert Ferguson about becoming a client: SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

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