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. And because skin behaviour varies so widely, many find themselves wondering: Is this normal? Will it tighten? Can anything prevent it?
This article draws on those real user conversations to explore what loose skin actually looks like, why it happens, what helps, what doesn’t, and how people cope emotionally. While these stories aren’t clinical data, they offer an honest view of what many Wegovy users encounter along the way.
Why Loose Skin Happens: The Science Behind It
Loose skin isn’t random; it reflects the complex relationship between genetics, age, weight history, and skin elasticity. Many users point out how individual these factors are - which helps explain why some people experience significant sagging while others see much less.
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 point out that no routine can override the skin’s biological limits:
"Age and genetics play a big factor. There’s not much you can do short of surgery." -sarabara1006
One analogy users return to often is how stretched material behaves once tension is removed:
"Think of it like a balloon. It never goes fully back to being its original shape as it has lost its elasticity." -Tiny-Professional827
This context helps set realistic expectations before diving into prevention strategies or at-home routines.
What Users Notice First
For many on Wegovy, loose skin makes itself known in specific areas long before goal weight is reached. The stomach, arms, thighs, and breasts are frequently mentioned - each with its own set of aesthetic and functional challenges.
Some describe the abdominal area changing quickly:
"My stomach is going to be pretty significant… definitely an apron." -Whatisthis_95
Others notice more subtle shifts, like creasing or softening on the thighs:
"My thighs don’t look as good as they did even 10 years ago." -Frequent-Waltz-1966
And some express frustration with drooping or loss of support in the chest:
"My boobs could do with some scaffolding to hold them back up." -Working-Presence1187
These early signs often prompt people to explore what might help - or to prepare emotionally for longer-term changes.
Will Loose Skin Tighten Over Time?
User experiences vary widely. Some see gradual improvement after months at a stable weight, while others say tightness returns only partially.
One user reassures others to remain patient:
"Skin tightens over time… give it a year and see how you look." -anonymous
Those who approach weight loss slowly often report better outcomes:
"I’ve been low and slow… my skin is a little saggy when I lose weight then slowly gets tighter." -Stunning_Jeweler8122
And for others, full rebound is possible - but requires more time than expected:
"My stomach ended up fine… it took 2 years though." -monoDioxide
Taken together, these stories show that skin tightening is possible, but not guaranteed, and almost always requires time.
Strategies Users Try to Minimise Loose Skin
Just like in the example articles, we group strategies by theme - from lifestyle changes to skincare routines to supplements. These are not scientific recommendations, but real approaches people discuss and experiment with.
1. Slow, Steady Weight Loss
Slower weight loss gives skin more time to adjust - a theme repeated frequently.
"Go slow. Work out. Best tips I can give… down 20 in 6 months. No loose skin." -Boldly-Introverted
Another user emphasises why pacing matters:
"As tempting as it may be to lose quickly, slow and steady will ensure less loose skin." -blaringlyquiet
2. Strength Training & Muscle Building
If one tip dominates community discussions, it’s this: build muscle as you lose fat.
"Strength training… will help you gain muscle to fill in and tone." -Sayben6
Users also stress that muscle can only do so much:
"Exercise won’t change the actual skin, it will just fill pockets that were previously filled with fat with muscle." -kitten_113
Still, even partial improvement can make a visible difference.
3. Hydration, Protein Intake & Nutrition
Water intake, adequate protein, and nutrient-dense foods come up again and again.
"Staying hydrated, moisturizing, getting protein, and working out with weights will help." -More-Mail-3575
And some receive explicit guidance from healthcare providers:
"My doctor recommended weight lifting and enough protein… especially creatine." -blaringlyquiet
4. Skincare & At-Home Techniques
Moisturisers, bio oil, dry brushing, and post-shower oils are common talking points. Some users find noticeable improvements in texture:
"I’ve been putting bio oil on and it helps with the crepey looking skin." -SharpImagination619
Others rely on simple habit-based routines:
"I mix castor oil into my lotion after the shower and so far no loose skin." -Lkrsgrl81
5. Supplements: Collagen, Biotin & More
Opinions differ, but many users still include supplements in their routine:
"You can take collagen supplements… and eat high protein to preserve muscle mass." -JeanetteTheChipette
Some find marginal benefits:
"Collagen supplements… may help a little bit." -IHateMozzies123
Supplements aren’t magic, but some users feel they support overall skin health.
Exercise Approaches People Find Helpful
Beyond traditional lifting, users incorporate routines that support strength, toning, or core stability.
One shares their toolkit:
"Weights do help… I’ve bought some 2kg weights and an ab roller." -Tribal_chief
Others adopt structured routines:
"Pilates three times a week, dry brushing, and moisturising daily… plan to assess after a year at goal." -Ambitious-Hornet9673
And some use exercise while acknowledging limits:
"Weight lifting can help but the only real solution is surgery." -sambr011
When Loose Skin Becomes Hard to Manage
Loose skin isn’t always just cosmetic. For some, it causes physical discomfort or chronic irritation.
Users with abdominal "aprons" highlight real medical challenges:
"My belly apron… I get fungal infections under the ‘apron.’ Insurance may pay for removal." -GoldRoutine7637
Others echo the functional strain:
"I probably need to get it removed due to hygiene/heat rash issues." -TapEfficient3610
And some find the pressure to seek medical solutions unavoidable:
"My thighs look like prunes… major apron overhang… appointment with a plastic surgeon." -Bluedodgerfan
Surgery: What Wegovy Users Say About Skin Removal
For many who have lost significant weight, surgery becomes part of the conversation. Some obtain partial or full insurance coverage:
"Insurance paid for my stomach loose skin removal (panni)… breast lift and arm lift out of pocket." -irishgirl249
Others see surgery as the only effective option:
"I had a tummy tuck and it was fabulous. Nothing else worked." -anonymous
And many find surgical outcomes compelling after watching others document their results:
"Most people I watch on YouTube… plan on getting surgery." -CommercialMetal306
The Emotional Side: Acceptance, Frustration & Identity
Loose skin often affects self-esteem as much as appearance. Users share complex feelings - ranging from pride to disappointment to relief.
Some reframe loose skin in a positive light:
"I find that I’m actually delighted by it… a tangible sign of changes being made." -Apprehensive-Yak3993
Others stress the perspective gained:
"Loose skin is much better than carrying the extra weight!" -GoldRoutine7637
But some express surprise at how quickly skin changes can appear:
"I was surprised I wound up with more loose skin from only losing 30 lbs." -Inevitable-Boss-2104
Practical, Evidence-Informed Tips for Coping
As in the example articles, we conclude with distilled practical advice grounded in user experience.
Many emphasise simple consistency:
"Give it time… skin does tighten up some." -RockyTop6
Others point out the role of age:
"Youth will work in your favor." -RockyTop6
And practical tools help many get through everyday life:
"Shapewear can work wonders… even good yoga pants can smooth everything out." -TapEfficient3610
Pharmacist Comment
Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, offers insight into why loose skin happens and what’s realistic to expect:
"Loose skin is a natural consequence of significant weight loss. Age, collagen levels, and how long someone has been overweight play a much bigger role than any topical product. Strength training, slow weight loss, and hydration can help maintain skin quality, but they can’t fully prevent sagging."
He adds:
"If loose skin is causing rashes, infections, or psychological distress, speak to a GP or dermatologist. Surgical removal is the only definitive treatment, and clinicians typically recommend waiting until weight has been stable for 6-12 months before considering it."
Conclusion
Loose skin on Wegovy is incredibly common - and incredibly individual. Some experience minor softening; others face significant changes. Many see gradual tightening over months or years, while others turn to surgery or shapewear for relief.
Yet one theme emerges consistently: loose skin should never overshadow the health benefits of weight loss.
Users often arrive at 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 may be an uncomfortable part of the journey, but it is also a testament to change, resilience, and renewed health.
