Hello Doctor,
During weight gain, does the skin stretch or grow to accommodate the extra fat? I am curious to know if weight gain causes the skin to stretch or grow. I'm aware that rapid weight gain can result in stretched skin and stretch marks. Specifically, I am interested in the case of morbidly obese individuals weighing around 400-700 pounds. I want to understand if the skin can actually stretch to that extent or if the adult body is forced to generate more skin as it expands.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
During significant weight gain, the skin predominantly stretches to accommodate the expanding fat tissues. This stretching often leads to the formation of stretch marks, particularly if the gain occurs rapidly. For individuals with morbid obesity (400-700 pounds), the skin’s elastic fibers can stretch considerably. However, if the stretching surpasses the skin's natural capacity, the body may produce some new skin cells over time. It’s crucial to care for your skin and maintain elasticity through proper hydration and nutrition. After weight loss, incorporating regular physical exercise and possibly skin-tightening treatments can help address excess or sagging skin.
Thanks
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