Loose Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss: What to Know (and What Helps)

GLP-1 medications can be life-changing. Many patients experience steady, meaningful weight loss—often for the first time in years. Along the way, some people notice something unexpected: loose or sagging skin.

If this is happening to you, you’re not doing anything wrong. Loose skin after weight loss is common, understandable, and manageable. Here’s what’s really going on—and what helps.

Why Does Loose Skin Happen With GLP-1 Weight Loss?

When you lose weight, you’re not just losing fat under the skin—you’re also changing the structure that helps skin stay firm.

Several things can contribute:

• How much weight you lose
  GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss (often 15–20% of body weight). The more weight lost, the harder it is for skin to “snap back.”

• How quickly the weight comes off
  Faster weight loss gives skin less time to adjust and tighten.

• Loss of supportive fat and tissue
  Some of the fat that helps keep skin smooth and supported is lost during weight reduction.

• Natural skin aging
  As we age, collagen production slows, and skin elasticity decreases—making loose skin more noticeable.

You may hear people talk about “Ozempic face,” which refers to facial hollowing or increased wrinkles. This happens because the face has less fat to begin with, so changes can show up there sooner.

How Common Is Loose Skin?

Loose skin is more likely if:

• You lose a larger amount of weight

• Weight loss happens quickly

• You’ve dieted repeatedly in the past

• You’re losing muscle along with fat

• You have a genetic predisposition

It’s also very individual. Two people can lose the same amount of weight and have completely different skin changes.

First Things First: Prevention Matters

The best time to address loose skin is while you’re losing weight, not after.

1. Prioritize Protein

Protein helps your body build collagen and maintain muscle. Because GLP-1 medications reduce appetite, many people accidentally eat too little protein.

A general goal is adequate daily protein, spread throughout the day, even if meals are smaller.

2. Strength Training Is Key

Muscle provides structure under the skin. Without it, skin can look looser.

Even 2 days per week of resistance training can:

• Preserve muscle

• Improve body composition

• Support firmer-looking skin

3. Slower, Steady Weight Loss

While GLP-1s are effective, faster isn’t always better. Gradual weight loss often leads to better muscle and skin preservation.

At Flow Wellness, we monitor the pace of weight loss and adjust dosing when needed to support overall health—not just the scale.

What If Loose Skin Is Already Happening?

There are options, and they exist on a spectrum.

Non-Surgical Options

For the face or mild skin changes, treatments may include:

• Strategies to restore volume and support collagen

• Nutrition optimization to support skin health

• Strength training and time—skin can continue to adapt over months

These approaches focus on helping the skin recover and rebuild, not just “filling space.”

Surgical Options

For more significant loose skin (often in the abdomen, arms, or thighs), body contouring surgery may be considered—but timing matters.

Unlike bariatric surgery, GLP-1 weight loss often continues as long as the medication is used. Additionally, stopping GLP-1 therapy can lead to weight regain for many people.

Because of this, surgery is usually best considered when:

• Weight has been stable for many months

• A long-term maintenance plan is in place

• Nutrition and muscle mass are optimized

This is a very personal decision and should always be guided by medical advice.

Setting Realistic Expectations (With Support)

Loose skin is not a failure—it’s a sign that your body is changing. For many patients, it improves with time, muscle building, and supportive care. For others, additional treatments may help.

At Flow Wellness, we:

• Monitor how quickly weight is coming off

• Watch for signs of excessive muscle loss

• Support nutrition, strength, and long-term maintenance

• Have honest conversations about expectations and options

Our goal is not just weight loss—it’s helping you feel strong, confident, and well in your body.

The Takeaway

GLP-1 medications can dramatically improve health and quality of life. Loose skin can be part of that journey—but it’s manageable, common, and not something you have to navigate alone.

With the right pace, protein, strength training, and provider guidance, most patients can support their skin health while continuing to make meaningful progress.

If you’re concerned about loose skin during your GLP-1 journey, your Flow Wellness provider can help you decide what makes sense for your body and your goals—now and long term.