Search results
Stretch marks are often caused by sudden growth or weight gain. You may be more likely to get them if you: are pregnant. are going through puberty. lose or gain weight quickly. are female. are overweight. use some kinds of steroid creams or tablets. have a family member with stretch marks.
- Cushing's Syndrome
One of the main signs is weight gain and more body fat, such...
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Overview
- Is it common to develop stretch marks when losing weight?
- What causes stretch marks during weight loss?
- Do stretch marks become more visible when you lose weight?
- Tips for minimizing stretch marks during weight loss
- Treatments for stretch marks
- Bottom line
Stretched skin as a result of weight gain is often associated with the development of visible lines called stretch marks, but stretch marks from losing weight are also possible.
Stretch marks, also known as striae, typically appear on the skin as discolored, parallel lines of varying length and thickness. They often start as red, brown, or purple irregular streaks that eventually fade to a pale hue.
Stretch marks can happen anywhere on your body, but they’re commonly found in areas where body fat is stored.
When you put on weight rapidly, it makes sense that your skin has to adjust by stretching, but stretch marks from losing weight are also possible. In this scenario, your skin is stretching for a different reason.
Stretch marks are incredibly common, affecting as many as 90% of people. While they are more common among people assigned female at birth, people assigned male at birth can also develop stretch marks.
Overall, significant weight gain or rapid growth changes in the body are why the majority of people develop stretch marks. Pregnancy, puberty, and obesity are all factors that commonly cause stretch marks to develop.
Stretch marks during weight loss are usually “striae distenseae,” a specific type of stretch mark resulting from stretching of the skin. Other types of stretch marks exist, such as stirae atrophica, a type of stretch mark that develops when the skin becomes too thin.
During slow, incremental weight loss, your skin is able to adjust by contracting and tightening. When weight loss happens too rapidly or changes your weight dramatically, your skin may not be able to keep up with your new body composition.
This causes excess skin that hangs and pulls on the skin around it, creating tears in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin.
When there’s a tear in your dermis, it triggers an inflammatory response which increases blood flow to that area, creating the red, brown, or purple colors of a new stretch mark.
Over time, the tears in the dermis heal and scar over, and the pale, visible lines characteristic of older stretch marks are what remain.
While anyone can develop stretch marks from weight loss, other factors like genetics, hormones, and underlying medical conditions may increase your chance.
For some people, stretch marks may appear more severe after weight loss.
If you gained weight rapidly, such as during pregnancy, and developed stretch marks but then lost weight rapidly after giving birth, your skin may experience additional stretching.
The initial stretch from the weight gain can be worsened by the stretch caused by loose skin during weight loss.
Not everyone notices worsened stretch marks after weight loss. The development, appearance, and progression of striae depend on your individual circumstances. In some cases, stretch marks may even appearless noticeable with weight loss.
Lose weight slowly
Stretch marks during weight loss are less likely if you lose weight slowly. By keeping the process consistent but slow, you allow your skin the time it needs to adjust to the changes in underlying tissues.
Moisturize and massage
According to a 2022 review, some research indicates massaging vitamin-rich moisturizers into your skin may help prevent stretch marks. However, it’s unclear if the moisturizing or the massage is more beneficial.
Consume skin-friendly foods
Foods that support your skin’s elasticity and suppleness may help it withstand stretching caused by weight loss. The American Pregnancy Association recommends drinking plenty of water and focusing on foods that contain: •vitamin E •vitamin C •zinc •silica •vitamins B2 and B3
You can treat stretch marks, but no singular approach works for everyone. Supporting research for most options is limited.
Topical therapies include:
•vitamin-rich moisturizers
•silicone gels
•tretinoin cream
•chemical peels
Stretch marks, known as striae, are associated with both weight gain and weight loss. When losing weight rapidly or dramatically, the pressure of excess skin causes tearing in the skin’s dermis, or middle layer, leaving a stretch mark.
Losing weight slowly can help prevent stretch marks during weight loss. However, genetics, hormones, and other factors also increase the chance of this skin condition.
- Kathleen Ferraro
- You Might Feel Dizzy and Tired. First on the list of what happens when you lose weight too fast: Feeling faint. "If you experience rapid weight loss as a result of a nutritionally inadequate diet, research has shown some physical symptoms may include lightheadedness when standing up," Foster says.
- You May Feel Sick to Your Stomach. Feeling sick during weight loss? As it turns out, nausea and weight loss can go hand in hand. Advertisement.
- You Could Get Gallstones. On that note, if you're losing weight too fast, another side effect could be gallstones. Gallstones are small, hard deposits of cholesterol or bilirubin that form in your gallbladder, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
- You Could Lose Some Hair. Another danger of losing weight too fast is that your hair might fall out, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement. That's because when you cut significant calories or eliminate entire food groups from your diet, you miss out on essential nutrients that help your body function at its best.
Oct 25, 2024 · If you're worried about possibly finding stretch marks on your body after your weight loss, we're rounding up all the facts about stretch marks and weight loss, the causes, how you can prevent it and your treatment options.
Oct 25, 2024 · Stretch marks (aka striae) are marks that develop in the skin when it’s stretched, usually due to rapid weight changes. They can happen with pregnancy, weight gain, and even weight loss in some...
Sep 19, 2022 · The stretch marks from weight loss typically appear in the region where you lost fat. For example, your thighs, arms, shoulders, and buttocks are the common sites for weight loss induced stretch marks.
People also ask
Can weight loss cause stretch marks?
Why do stretch marks look red when you lose weight?
How can I prevent stretch marks after weight loss?
What do stretch marks look like?
Can stomach skin shrink after weight loss?
Can microneedling reduce stretch marks after weight loss?
Oct 24, 2024 · Here are 10 signs of weight loss in addition to your scale. These signs can let you know you’re on the right path for weight loss.
