Beauty

[this is my nic]

I'm not sure if I should ask this question here or in the Wellness topic.  

First of all, I do not weigh myself.  Of course I am weighed at Dr.'s appointments.  They don't tell my weight at my request.  I don't want to be hung up on a number.  

Several people have commented that I look like I've lost weight, and at my  Dr.'s appt last week, I was told I had indeed lost. Nothing else was discussed about it.  I had been a bit over my ideal weight, size M or 10 or 12.  I have not been dieting or increased exercise, just cut way down on carbs over the past year.  I have hypo thyroid and take meds.  It was tested last week and is ok. 

One thing I've really noticed and don't care for is the appearance of my skin on arms, legs, rear.  It looks like a deflated balloon.  I know the look of crepey skin, this is not it.

To those of you, of a certain age, who have lost weight, did your skin look like what I'm describing?  I am over 60, but I was over 60 last year and my skin looked normal! 

Thanks for your input! 

[Desertdi]

If it's any consolation............I have the SAME thing...........

[this is my nic]

@Desertdi

Sorry!  Have you lost weight too?  

[SilleeMee]

For me that happened when I lost weight really fast. I was around 50yo when I got sick and literally lost my butt. Never got it back either. My face and neck sagged and I looked a lot older than I was. I did have some cosmetic procedures done to my face and neck but as far as my body, I exercise to built more volume in muscle and that helps quite a bit. I'm 63 now.

[Desertdi]

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@this is my nic wrote:

@Desertdi

Sorry!  Have you lost weight too?  

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@this is my nic  No.....but I'm on the "thin side".......and 10 years older than you.   I believe it's from loss of muscle (with age), although I DO lift weights.

[SilleeMee]

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@Desertdi wrote:

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@this is my nic wrote:

@Desertdi

Sorry!  Have you lost weight too?  

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@this is my nic  No.....but I'm on the "thin side".......and 10 years older than you.   I believe it's from loss of muscle (with age), although I DO lift weights.

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It's called muscle atrophy and it usually happens to older people. When there is extra fat on the body then the atrophy is not visible until weight loss occurs. Then the skin sags when the fat is lost leaving behind the visibly smaller muscles. It takes consistent resistance training, more of it as you age, to regain muscle mass you once had when you were younger.

[on the bay]

Yes I had the same thing happen and it seemed all of a sudden to me.

Very strange and like whos arms are these?!

They were never like that before and I don't think I lost a lot of weight. Kind of discouraging. 

I just try to ignore it. Growing and looking older, Ijust try to realize hey this is a natural thing.

If it makes you feel any better, yesterday I was going to the store and an older lady was ahead of me. She was probably in her 80's. 

Anyway all of her skin looked very wrinkled.

But she had the most beautiful all white natural hair and a pretty smile. When she saw me she said oh your pink is so pretty (hot pink tshirt), and I told her I was just admiring her pretty hair. She said oh my thank you so much. I think we both made each other's day just appreciating each other.

And I thought, that is what matters.

We may not be able to do anything much about ho we look as we age, and it may be shocking sometimes but we can still give appreciation, hugs, encouragement and caring.

[this is my nic]

@on the bay

Thank you for a sweet story! 🌸🌸🌸

[SahmIam]

Yes. I have been told by every doctor and Plastic surgeon that it's caused by two things:

1) weight loss (stretched out skin is just that...stretched out. A deflated balloon is the PERFECT description for how it looks and why).

2) Loss of estrogen.

For women, it's virtually impossible to avoid once you are post menopause. The amount you have, (as I have been told repeatedly) depends on how much and often you've lost weight and genetics. This does happen to men as well due to weight loss and loss of muscle tone (due to lack of testosterone).

*sigh*

[SilleeMee]

Getting older does not mean you will get fat and have smaller muscles automatically. This is just not true. Exercise is the only way you can keep from losing muscle mass...period.

Muscles burn calories. Fat does not.  Some people think that they have not gained any weight as they got older. But if they haven't been using their muscles then that weight is turning into fat as they get older.