By Gemifys
It’s a common and confusing experience: the scale is going down, but your body doesn’t necessarily look or feel firmer — it can feel softer, or “flabbier,” instead. If you’re losing weight (including on a GLP-1 medication) and wondering why you don’t look as toned as the number on the scale might suggest, there’s a well-documented explanation.
Not all weight loss is the same
When you lose weight quickly, you don’t only lose fat — you typically lose some lean mass (muscle) too. Research on GLP-1 receptor agonists has found that a meaningful portion of total weight lost with these medications can come from lean mass rather than fat alone. A 2023 study published via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and coverage from Harvard Health both note that lean mass loss is a recognized consideration with rapid, medication-assisted weight loss, which is part of why muscle-preserving strategies are increasingly emphasized alongside these treatments.
Losing muscle along with fat can change how your body looks and feels even as total weight drops — skin and tissue that were previously supported by more muscle and fat volume can appear looser or softer, independent of your actual progress.
Why loose or “flabby”-feeling skin happens
According to the Mayo Clinic, how much skin retracts after weight loss depends on several factors that vary a lot person to person:
- Amount and speed of weight loss — larger and faster losses generally give skin less time to gradually adjust
- Age — skin elasticity (collagen and elastin production) naturally declines with age
- Genetics — skin elasticity varies significantly between individuals
- Sun exposure history and smoking — both are known to reduce skin elasticity over time
What can help
- Resistance training. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and multiple clinical weight-management guidelines point to strength training as one of the most effective ways to preserve lean muscle mass during a calorie deficit, which can help maintain firmness and tone even as fat decreases.
- Adequate protein intake. Getting enough dietary protein supports muscle maintenance during weight loss; a doctor or registered dietitian can help you figure out an appropriate target for your situation.
- Patience with skin retraction. Some skin tightening can continue gradually for up to a year or more after reaching a stable weight, per Mayo Clinic guidance, so early results aren’t always the final picture.
- Hydration and gradual pacing where possible. Slower, steadier weight loss (when medically appropriate) tends to give skin more time to adjust than very rapid loss.
If excess skin remains a significant concern once your weight has stabilized, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can discuss options, ranging from topical approaches to surgical skin removal for more significant cases.
This article is for general educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please don’t adjust your GLP-1 dose or treatment plan based on this article — talk to your prescribing doctor about your weight loss pace, body composition goals, or any concerns about how you’re losing weight.
