Loose Skin on Wegovy: What to Expect and How to Cope
As more people turn to Wegovy (semaglutide) for meaningful weight loss, a recurring and often emotional topic has emerged in online communities: loose skin. While the medication can transform health, metabolism, and quality of life, rapid changes to body size can also bring visible changes that people don’t always feel prepared for.
Across Reddit and other forums, users openly discuss sagging, creasing, and shifts in skin texture that appear as the pounds come off. For some, these changes are minor and temporary; for others, they feel dramatic or discouraging. Because skin behaviour varies widely, many find themselves wondering: Is this normal? Will it tighten? Can anything prevent it?
Loose skin is not a side effect of Wegovy itself. It is a recognised consequence of significant or rapid weight loss from any cause. This article draws on real user conversations to explore what loose skin can look like, why it happens, what may help, and how people cope emotionally. While these stories are not clinical data, they reflect experiences many people share during weight loss.
Why Loose Skin Happens: The Science Behind It
Loose skin reflects the complex relationship between skin elasticity, collagen and elastin structure, age, genetics, weight history, and the rate and magnitude of weight loss. Skin that has been stretched for long periods may not fully retract once the underlying fat volume decreases.
As one user put it, the variables are simply too numerous to predict:
"It depends… so many variables come into play… age, starting weight, where you carry your weight."
— PurplestPanda
Others highlight biological limits:
"Age and genetics play a big factor. There’s not much you can do short of surgery."
— sarabara1006
One analogy users often use:
"Think of it like a balloon. It never goes fully back to being its original shape as it has lost its elasticity."
— Tiny-Professional827
Clinical literature confirms that skin elasticity declines with age, long-term stretching reduces recoil, and collagen structure changes over time.
What Users Notice First
Loose skin often becomes noticeable in areas where fat is commonly stored, including the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and breasts.
Some describe abdominal changes:
"My stomach is going to be pretty significant… definitely an apron."
— Whatisthis_95
Others notice softening or creasing:
"My thighs don’t look as good as they did even 10 years ago."
— Frequent-Waltz-1966
Loss of breast volume and support is also common:
"My boobs could do with some scaffolding to hold them back up."
— Working-Presence1187
These changes can appear before the goal weight is reached.
Will Loose Skin Tighten Over Time?
Skin may tighten gradually after weight stabilises, but the degree varies.
One user encourages patience:
"Skin tightens over time… give it a year and see how you look."
— anonymous
Slower weight loss may allow more time for skin adaptation:
"I’ve been low and slow… my skin is a little saggy when I lose weight then slowly gets tighter."
— Stunning_Jeweler8122
Others report long-term improvement:
"My stomach ended up fine… it took 2 years though."
— monoDioxide
Clinical guidance suggests skin remodelling can continue for months to years, but full retraction is not guaranteed.
Strategies Users Try to Minimise Loose Skin
No intervention can fully prevent loose skin after significant weight loss. However, some lifestyle measures may support skin quality and body composition.
1. Slow, Steady Weight Loss
Gradual weight loss may reduce the degree of loose skin.
"Go slow. Work out. Best tips I can give… down 20 in 6 months. No loose skin."
— Boldly-Introverted
"As tempting as it may be to lose quickly, slow and steady will ensure less loose skin."
— blaringlyquiet
Clinical guidance for obesity management often supports sustainable weight loss to preserve lean mass and support tissue adaptation.
2. Strength Training & Muscle Building
Building muscle can improve body contour and reduce the appearance of sagging.
"Strength training… will help you gain muscle to fill in and tone."
— Sayben6
Users also recognise limits:
"Exercise won’t change the actual skin, it will just fill pockets that were previously filled with fat with muscle."
— kitten_113
Muscle gain does not tighten skin, but can improve overall shape and support.
3. Hydration, Protein Intake & Nutrition
Adequate protein supports muscle preservation, while hydration supports skin function.
"Staying hydrated, moisturising, getting protein, and working out with weights will help."
— More-Mail-3575
"My doctor recommended weight lifting and enough protein… especially creatine."
— blaringlyquiet
Clinical guidance emphasises adequate protein intake during weight loss to preserve lean tissue.
4. Skincare & At-Home Techniques
Moisturisers and oils may improve skin texture and comfort, but do not tighten excess skin.
"I’ve been putting bio oil on and it helps with the crepey-looking skin."
— SharpImagination619
"I mix castor oil into my lotion after the shower and so far no loose skin."
— Lkrsgrl81
Topical products can improve hydration and appearance, but cannot restore lost elasticity.
5. Supplements: Collagen, Biotin & More
Evidence for supplements improving loose skin is limited.
"You can take collagen supplements… and eat high protein to preserve muscle mass."
— JeanetteTheChipette
"Collagen supplements… may help a little bit."
— IHateMozzies123
Collagen supplements may support skin structure indirectly, but are not proven to prevent loose skin.
Exercise Approaches People Find Helpful
Users incorporate routines that support strength and mobility.
"Weights do help… I’ve bought some 2kg weights and an ab roller."
— Tribal_chief
"Pilates three times a week, dry brushing, and moisturising daily… plan to assess after a year at goal."
— Ambitious-Hornet9673
"Weight lifting can help but the only real solution is surgery."
— sambr011
When Loose Skin Becomes Hard to Manage
Loose skin can sometimes cause physical symptoms, including irritation, fungal infections, or hygiene challenges.
"My belly apron… I get fungal infections under the ‘apron.’ Insurance may pay for removal."
— GoldRoutine7637
"I probably need to get it removed due to hygiene/heat rash issues."
— TapEfficient3610
Medical review is appropriate if recurrent rashes, infections, or skin breakdown occur.
Surgery: What Wegovy Users Say About Skin Removal
Body contouring surgery is the only definitive method to remove excess skin after major weight loss.
"Insurance paid for my stomach loose skin removal (panni)… breast lift and arm lift out of pocket."
— irishgirl249
"I had a tummy tuck and it was fabulous. Nothing else worked."
— anonymous
Clinical practice typically recommends waiting until the weight has been stable for several months before surgery.
The Emotional Side: Acceptance, Frustration & Identity
Loose skin can affect self-image as much as appearance.
"I find that I’m actually delighted by it… a tangible sign of changes being made."
— Apprehensive-Yak3993
"Loose skin is much better than carrying the extra weight!"
— GoldRoutine7637
"I was surprised I wound up with more loose skin from only losing 30 lbs."
— Inevitable-Boss-2104
Practical, Evidence-Informed Tips for Coping
Consistency and time are commonly emphasised.
"Give it time… skin does tighten up some."
— RockyTop6
"Youth will work in your favor."
— RockyTop6
"Shapewear can work wonders… even good yoga pants can smooth everything out."
— TapEfficient3610
Support garments can improve comfort and confidence.
Pharmacist Comment
Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at Medino, explains:
"Loose skin is a natural consequence of significant weight loss rather than a direct effect of Wegovy. Age, genetics, collagen levels, and how long the skin has been stretched all influence how much it retracts."
He adds:
"Strength training, adequate protein intake, gradual weight loss, and hydration can help maintain skin quality, but they cannot fully prevent sagging. If loose skin causes rashes, infections, or psychological distress, patients should speak with a GP or dermatologist."
Conclusion
Loose skin during weight loss with Wegovy is common and highly individual. Some people notice mild softening; others experience more significant changes. Skin may tighten gradually over time, but outcomes vary.
Many users ultimately reach the same conclusion:
"Loose skin isn’t a reason to not lose weight… the health benefits outweigh the look."
— AgathaM
"I’d rather have loose skin than be obese… just my opinion."
— Typical-Problem8707
"Better than being fat! Thank God for clothing."
— jukief
Loose skin can be an uncomfortable part of the journey, but it also reflects profound health change and progress.
