How much of this is extra skin, and how much is fat?

[oatmeal69]

Long time since I've posted, but over the past year I've dieted off about 35 pounds, going from 185 to 150#. I'm about to start lifting again. I'm 50 y.o., and my skin isn't as elastic as it once was. I would love to show some abs, but I have a bunch of skin/fat still covering them. I do not want to lose any more muscle, etc. I'm as trim as I've ever been. the rest of me is as lean and cut as I ever want to be. My face is thin - any more, and I'm going to look gaunt, skinny and unhealthy.

Question. Can anyone tell how much of this is fat, and how much is just loose skin? In other words, how much more will dieting really help me, vs I'm either going to have to live with it, or get surgery?

[jstone]

Cutting anymore isnt likely to help much. Start adding muscle to fill out the skin. I would also add in some collagen, and hyaluronic acid. To help the skin possibly regain some of its elasticity. Just keep working at it, but i definitely wouldnt cut anymore i would start eating to grow.

[oatmeal69]

Start adding muscle to fill out the skin.

I am thinking this is my best approach as well. But, abs don't really 'grow.' (and if they do I don't want 'em, LOL) Do you think just by virtue of working and building the ab wall, that might help to reduce that skin? Is there anything to the theory of "spot reducing" fat by building the muscle underneath?

[jstone]

Are you thinking topical or oral on the HA and collagen?

Oral.

[jstone]

I am thinking this is my best approach as well. But, abs don't really 'grow.' (and if they do I don't want 'em, LOL) Do you think just by virtue of working and building the ab wall, that might help to reduce that skin? Is there anything to the theory of "spot reducing" fat by building the muscle underneath?

I didnt mean growing your abs. If you add muscle to your frame it help you fill out. You may always have some loose skin, but i know someone who lost over a 100 pounds and had a lot more loose skin then you. As he grew it became much less noticeable.

[bethdoth]

Do this and your abs will grow https://forums.steroid.com/workout-t...-want-abs.html I know most of the links are broken, but you still get a good idea of what to do. I had zero abs and it took me about 6 months doing this twice a week and BAM large abs.

[oatmeal69]

I didnt mean growing your abs. If you add muscle to your frame it help you fill out. You may always have some loose skin, but i know someone who lost over a 100 pounds and had a lot more loose skin then you. As he grew it became much less noticeable.

Ahh, good, because that's what I'm doing. I've added protein and a few carb calories, and am lifting for overall growth and tone, including abs. Gotta say, the leaner one is, the quicker you start to see results. I've been back at it only about three weeks and I'm already seeing a few cool curves in the mirror.