What can you do for saggy, flabby arm skin?

Following weight loss surgery. What are some tips for the saggy arm skin? I’m also open to advice regarding other areas as well, but primarily the arms. My wife is looking to get the gastric sleeve done sometime next year and that’s something she’s worried about (though I’ve assured her that I couldn’t care less) as she does keep a lot of fat I. Her arms. It’s always been an insecurity for her so she wants to know how to help tighten that skin naturally.

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15 months of progress and halfway to my goal!

6" 29m(assigned at birth, I'm working it out) currently around 97.5kg (lowest 96.7kg) Posting to share my journey so far, in hopes it helps someone the same way this sub has helped me!

Due to a lot of stress since the pandemic, moving cities and getting a new job I let myself climb to a new high of 110kg, I've struggled with weight my whole life and didn't have the knowledge to parse the difference between genuine nutritional advice and fitness fads, nor did I understand working out and macro-nutrients. When I weighed myself these past Christmas holidays and realised that I hit 110kg I mentally dug my heels in and told myself "this stops here" I want to acknowledge that I've only been able to do this now that I'm 29 for a few reasons - support from my partner where I didn't have any before, a comfortable wage that allows me to buy more than the cheapest foods and afford a gym subscription+PT and gym clothes, and the proliferation of free good advice that drowns out the fitness fad industry.

I started by making changes to my lifestyle bit by bit, trying to be conscious of not overloading myself, and instead of seeking quick wins, setting myself up for a more sustainable and resilient lifestyle. My partner and I started off by committing to finishing couch to 5k, we'd tried in the past and gotten really far but always fell off for one reason or another. I also started trying to walk around 10,000 steps a day Two weeks after, we cut out all refined sugar for the month of January (in retrospect we didn't need to do this but it was good to break some bad habits) Soon after a local gym had a Saturday morning "community class" my partner and some local friends went to, this was a great introduction to the gym and became a really good habit that we've kept up each Saturday The same gym then started a "6-week challenge" program that I signed up for the week after The program got me in the habit of going to the gym, but most importantly got me calorie counting! Dialling in on what a deficit looks like for me and how to hit my protein intake goals with that has been an adjustment, but once I worked it out it made eating in a deficit much easier. I now have a PT and am (trying) to train calisthenics while maintaining my calorie deficit!

I've been in a calorie deficit for about 15 weeks now and recently hit 97.5kg, I suspect it just gets harder from here and I'm ready for it to slow down (I got sick this week and am eating at maintenance while I shake off this fever)

Writing all of this down makes me realise how drastic a change this has all been, going from mindlessly eating and drinking to deal with stress while remaining mostly sedentary, to now maintaining a 500 calorie deficit a day with 1.2g/kg protein, running 3 days a week and gym 3 days a week... But it doesn't feel like it, I guess since I introduced all of the rituals slowly

To wrap it up, I'll share some challenges and what has helped me the most

Challenges: - Energy levels while eating in a deficit. Nearly half of my days I need a nap at about 3:30pm, I just run out of energy... I might be able to solve this with better sleep hygiene, allowing myself to sleep longer... But I'm a night owl so that's tough - Eating out. This is a blessing and a curse, it's so hard to calorie count when eating out, so I do it a lot less (good) but when I do eat out, it feels impossible to know if I ended up in deficit or surplus, mostly you just can't know how much oil or butter a restaurant uses even if you guesstimate everything else. I probably shouldn't stress too much about this - Rate of weight loss. I've been targeting 1kg/week and have been generally hitting that, but rarely at a consistent rate. The first 6 kg came off REALLY fast, once I cut out alcohol, eating out all the time, refined sugar and started running. When I lose weight now, it's usually nothing for 2-3 weeks, then I drop 1-3kg in the span of a week, which is demoralising toward the end of those dry spells

What's helped? - This sub, it at least makes me feel like I'm not alone and that it takes consistency and patience - Resources like the "Stronger by Science" podcast, evidence based resources that AREN'T just trying to sell me something. It's not always the answers that I want to hear, but that I do need to hear - Healthy alternatives to things I already love. Quest peanut butter cups, sugar-free yoghurt, protein custard, halo-top and korean bbq (minus korean fried chicken & kimchi pancake 🥲)

Hope any of this helps, and I'll be back to report in at some point in the future, wherever it takes me!

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Week 1 SV and NSV - not much, but my slight progress is motivating

Disclaimer: This is my first time posting on Reddit. I've browsed this subreddit before and read the posting guidelines but just wanted to mention it in case I commit some faux pas in my post/posting style:)

For context, I'm 23F and have been in an unhealthy relationship for the past few years. I developed pretty severe depression over time which culminated in me quitting my job and slowly ceasing to spend time with friends/family. I ended up struggling with binge drinking. Of course I'm the only one responsible for my own health, but none of this was helped by living with a partner who would always put me down, encourage my unhealthy habits, and discourage me from getting better.

Several months ago, I realized I had gained some weight—I put on a pair of jeans for the first time in months, and I couldn't even button them. I didn't have a scale at the time, so I just measured my waist - it had gone from 23-24" to 29-30". I could also just see and feel how much fat I'd gained. I tried a few times to make some changes, each attempt lasting a maximum of 3 days before I lost all motivation and became even more depressed.

I finally left that relationship. Then a week ago, I decided to give this another go. By "this" I don't just mean fat loss, but completely repairing my physical health, mental health, and lifestyle. I bought a scale and weighed myself for the first time in years. I was shocked when I weighed in at 165 lbs; the highest I'd ever weighed in at before this was 145, typically fluctuating between 125-140 no matter how I ate (it was higher when I was more focused on lifting, and lower when I was doing more cardio). I had been expecting 5-10 lbs of weight gain, not 20-30. And then when I was exercising (first time in over a year), I realized how much strength and endurance I had lost—that I can't quantify, but it's pretty significant.

At first I was upset by these things, but I decided to reframe those thoughts and use it as motivation. I haven't been exercising as much as I'd like to, but I am trying to get a little better each day. I've mostly given up alcohol and am trying to reduce my intake each day. Whole foods are gradually becoming a larger and larger part of my diet, and I'm trying to eat more mindfully. I'm no longer going to bed at 3 AM, but at 8-9 PM (which has made a world of a difference).

Today, I weighed in at 160 lbs. I know probably 90% of that is water weight, but it's motivating to see. Maybe TMI, but I'm also menstruating—women's weights tend to fluctuate (rather predictably) throughout the menstrual cycle, with weight typically being highest during menses, and maybe this is strange but I find that even more encouraging. My waist size is down to 28", I have slightly more energy, and for the first time in months this seems possible. A week ago, I was unsure that I could do this; today, I'm sure I can. This is the longest period of time that I've been able to stick to a weight loss/health "plan" since realizing I gained weight, and that in itself is encouraging me. I'm feeling less depressed and anxious than I have in a very long time, despite this being the time of the month where I'm usually most depressed/anxious. These victories aren't the biggest or most tangible, but they feel major to me.

Up next is applying/interviewing for jobs, becoming completely abstinent from alcohol for at least a year, quitting vaping, spending more time with family/friends, reducing my screen time, getting back into the sports and hobbies I once loved, and continuing to incorporate more healthy habits/becoming more consistent about the habits I've already incorporated.

If anyone is wondering how I'm going about my weight loss, I'm eating around 1200-1500 calories/day and doing light cardio daily and bodyweight strength training 2x/week (that's all I can handle right now; I used to be able to run for miles and lift quite heavy, but this is what being sedentary and eating unhealthily for a year or two does to you haha). I'm tracking my food in Cronometer; I like it because it seems quite accurate and it helps me ensure I'm getting enough of all my micronutrients. My macros are 40% protein all month, and then 35-40% carbs/20-25% fat during the follicular phase of my cycle and 25-20% carbs/35-40% fat during the luteal phase of my cycle (women tend to utilize carbs for fuel at rest during the follicular phase and fat during the luteal phase). I also plan on incorporating occasional fasts after a few months, not for weight loss but for the overall health benefits.

This last part is just for me so that I can look back at this post in a few months to a year and see how far I've come:

• SW - 165
• CW (1 week) - 160
• GW - 127 (I want to get down to 127ish through diet and light-to-moderate exercise, then raise my calories and begin to focus more on strength training to get back up to 135-150 with muscle mass)

ps Sorry for the long post; if you read this far, thank you. I'm hoping that in posting this and going back to look at it, I'll be better able to keep myself accountable and motivated. I also hope that this might somehow inspire anyone else who can relate to these sorts of mental/motivational struggles.

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5'8 / 285 33YO Male looking to drop some Weight

I've worked on the road a lot the past 10 years. I'm 33 1/2, I'm 5'8 and currently sitting roughly at 285 Lbs. so obviously out of shape but also a thick set guy anyways.

I recently took a job that is more structured. (I will be working in the offshore oil & gas industry on a 3 week on and 3 week off schedule.) They are set up offshore with a gym and now is the time for me to try and make some serious changes to my body (Ive neglected too long).

Ultimately I'm looking to lose about 60-80 lbs, maybe more depending on where I level out at. (I dont ever see myself as a skinny build, just on my shoulders alone).

I'm here because I'm looking for tips/plans on what areas I should target and how I should do that. I don't want to just do cardio as I know I will lose interest and I wont sustain the weight loss. I'm looking specifically for what exercises I should be doing and how to combine them (Example Back and Biceps, Chest and Triceps, Shoulders and Abs, Legday ect ect.)

Appreciate the help!

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Life Taking a Detour? How to Hit The Reset Button This Spring

Spring is the season of renewal. You can see it outside in the fresh leaves on the trees and the flowers in bloom. Now is the perfect time for you to get back to feeling well and enjoying your life.

With so much going on in the world, we’ve all been struggling with disruptions and distractions. That can make it extra hard for us to take care of our physical, mental and emotional health.

No matter what you’ve been going through, you can hit the reset button this spring and get back on track to feeling and looking your best. Here are a few hints to help you get started.

Do one thing.

You can’t fix everything that’s troubling you instantly. But you can take a step in the right direction by choosing one small thing that you can manage and begin doing it.

You don’t need to make a big commitment. Go with simple choices, such as walking your dog outdoors for at least 10 minutes on nice spring days or trying a new healthy recipe every week.

Another easy first step? Sign up for a Nutrisystem weight loss plan. >

Get energized.

Dark, dreary winter days can make us feel like hibernating, or at least sitting on the couch and resting. If you’ve spent the last few months laying low, now’s the time to get active again.

Build 30 minutes of daily activity into your life. If you can’t do it all at once, try 10 minutes of exercise three times throughout the day. While exercise may tire you out at first, within a couple of weeks, you’ll actually become more energetic as you build up your stamina.

Be sure you have the fuel you need by eating regular portions of lean protein such as chicken breast, fish or eggs. You can learn all about those PowerFuels here! >

6 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Season for Healthy Weight Loss

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Refresh your routine.

Habits are behaviors we do without thinking about them. If you’ve fallen into bad habits—skipping breakfast, for example—spring is a great time to refresh your daily routine.

According to research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, “habit formation increased substantially over the course of three months, especially for participants who consistently performed the desired behavior during this time. ”

Look at the habits that are keeping you from feeling your best and try to turn them into new, good habits. For example, if your mornings are too hectic to make a meal, prepare “overnight” oatmeal recipes before you go to bed. Sticking to these new actions throughout the spring season (about three months) can increase the likelihood of them turning into a long-term. natural habit. Consistency is key!

Sleep well.

More activity helps you get back on track in spring, but so does better rest. Sleeping for the recommended seven to eight hours a night improves your overall health and supports your weight loss goals.

To get better sleep, skip scrolling through social media one hour before you turn the lights out. Reacting to the posts stimulates your brain when you want it to quiet down. What’s more, the light from your phone or tablet suppresses your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that controls your body’s sleep cycles.

When you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to choose unhealthy foods and to overeat in general. Learn more about the sleep-weight loss connection here! >

Invest in your health.

You may have heard a healthy lifestyle takes a lot of money. Investing in your health actually saves you because being overweight increases your healthcare costs, makes you more likely to miss work because of illness, and bulks up your grocery expenses with low-quality food.

A Nutrisystem weight loss plan brings you meals and snacks that are nourishing and filling in just the right portions. That means you get just what you need and there’s no wasted food. You can also keep within your grocery budget by shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season (you have so many choices in spring!). Be sure to also check out our suggestions for buying low-cost PowerFuels and SmartCarbs.

Can Nutrisystem Save You Money? The Answer May Surprise You

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Making time.

For so many people, time is the most precious of resources. Taking care of your health can go on the back burner when daily life is always hectic.

A Nutrisystem weight loss plan can be your solution. You get meals delivered to your door so you cut down on time spent shopping for food. Your meals and snacks are ready to eat in minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing healthy food you’ll love eating.

With all of that extra time, you can get active or treat yourself to some well-earned rest. Craving calm? Here are five spring-inspired self-care activities to try during that extra time! >

Take back control.

Life brings you plenty to be concerned about. You can stop worrying about your weight just by signing up for Nutrisystem.

Simply choose the foods that you like from a menu full of tempting meals and snacks. You don’t have to count “points” or cook every single meal. Nutrisystem meets you where you are with plans that are easy to follow. You can begin to see results in as little as your first week. Now you’re headed toward becoming the best you can be!

Ready for a spring reset? Get started with a Nutrisystem plan today! >

The Nutrisystem Spring Weight Loss Guide

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The post Life Taking a Detour? How to Hit The Reset Button This Spring appeared first on The Leaf.

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15 lbs from goal and stuck - should I just be satisfied?

Hi! I, like lots of other folks put on weight the last few years. I went all the way up to 191lbs and that's when I decided enough is enough, and to do something about it. I started last March, and got down to 155. My initial goal weight was 140, but I just can't seem to get below 155 (give or take a few lbs in both directions).

I took all of February off and just did maintenance. I started back trying to lose again in early March, but the scale has not moved.

I use Happy Scale daily (at the same time), and track with LoseIt!. I have my calories set to maintenance, but have been eating between 300-500 below that, as I am okay with a slower weight loss.

I don't mind the way I look right now, minus a little pooch in my lower belly.

I get 10,000 steps weekdays and 20,000 steps most weekend days. I'm sure the answer is to just increase my caloric deficit if I want to lose more, I'm just not sure I want to right now. Is it okay to just keep maintaining and not hit my goal weight?

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Being a teenager in the era of the "body positivity" movement is the worst thing ever

Edit: Thank you for the gold!

I (16F) used to be overweight. I had hypothyroidism and an emotional eating issue that led to my rapid weight gain. My entire life I had always been a little bit chubby, but most of it was baby fat and I was still considered to be of a healthy weight. It never really hit me how big I was until I developed an eating disorder. It started with models who talked about eating a shit ton of pizza and junk and yet they were still skinny, meanwhile it felt like I breathed next to a pizza and gained weight, even though I would usually just eat an entire large pizza BY MYSELF, meanwhile now I eat 2 slices of a small and I'm knocked out, but obviously in my little brain I didn't comprehend that the amount of food I was eating was FAR too much and that simply reducing my portions would've made me lose a lot of weight. So I fell into the cycle of unhealthily restricting calories. That was during the time when Victoria's Secret models were still a thing and were still idolized.

Then 2016 came around and "body positivity" was the new thing. All these obese and "plus size" models talking about how you can be happy in your own body no matter your weight or no matter how your body looks. Sounds good right? WRONG. Nobody ever mentioned how body positivity was created for those with "deformities" or disabilities that affected how they looked that they COULDN'T CONTROL, so people with missing limbs for example. Now I got sucked into this whole movement and shifted from my pr* an* forums to "body positivity" forums and "big is beautiful" forums, where random adults would tell me that teenagers are stupid and that I shouldn't worry about my weight because when I'm an adult I'll realize "men like bigger women" or some other nonsense. Now obviously I believed it, and I believed it for a while. I believed that birth control could make you the size of a hot air balloon or that my hypothyroidism was going to make me fat anyways so why even bother. That lasted until I noticed none of the "plus sized" models that were supposedly similar to me, actually looked like me. Most of them, even at their larger sizes still had perfectly shaped figures and slim faces, like Ashley Graham or Iskra Lawrence, and I realized I actually didn't love myself, I was just lying to myself to hide the fact that I was unhappy.

There's nothing fun in not being able to find your size in stores, or not wanting to participate in sports because you're afraid you'll look like a flailing whale, there's nothing fun in barely being able to climb a flight of stairs without wheezing or having a large hawaiian pizza be the highlight of your week. I realized that I was unhappy and my health was deteriorating.

I started watching YouTubers like Natacha Oceane or Coffee (a Chinese YouTuber) who I learned a lot from and taught me how to take better care of my health and be more in tune with my body, and I managed to lose over 30lbs and am now at a healthy weight, and with that weight loss I was able to completely reverse my hypothyroidism and my thyroid is now at a healthy size. Even just thinking about my habits and the things I believed back then and just how easy it is for teenagers like me to be influenced by these people makes me angry. Sure you may not be insecure about your big thighs or bony elbows, but you don't "love your body", you hate your organs and bones that have to work extra hard to simply function, or your failing organs that can barely function to the point where you feel dizzy even when sitting down or your bones crack with almost every movement and THAT is your body.

Sure, some people are born "naturally skinny" or "big boned", but that doesn't make you extremely underweight or overweight/obese and there are even different healthy weights based on bones structure which is how I'm weighed at my hospital. And sure you might have a health issue that makes you underweight or overweight, but people with those health issues don't just accept their deteriorating health and start telling people it's okay to neglect your body because of that. I wish more people my age or even just in general understood that being on or being close to the extreme end of those spectrums is not healthy, and that physical and mental health are ALWAYS the priority above physical appearance.

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