Expert Q&A

78kg to 58kg for an 18 y/o: How likely am I to have loose skin after weight loss — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend?

Understanding Loose Skin Risk at Age 18

As an 18-year-old planning to go from 78kg to 58kg, your age works strongly in your favor. Younger skin contains higher levels of collagen and elastin, giving it better ability to retract after fat loss. Most 18-year-olds lose 15-25kg with minimal loose skin if they follow smart strategies. However, rapid loss, poor nutrition, or lack of muscle can still create mild sagging around the belly, arms, or thighs. In my 20 years coaching through the CFP Weight Loss method, I've seen teens achieve dramatic transformations with almost no visible loose skin when they prioritize three key factors: pace, protein, and progressive resistance.

How Fast Should You Lose the Weight?

Aim for 0.5-1kg per week maximum. Dropping faster than this overwhelms your skin's ability to adapt, especially during hormonal shifts common at your age. Many beginners who failed previous diets rush their progress and regret it. Using the CFP approach, we calculate your daily calorie needs based on basal metabolic rate then subtract 500 calories for steady fat loss while preserving muscle. For someone your size, this often means 1,800-2,200 calories daily with 120-150g of protein. This controlled pace gives skin time to contract naturally and reduces the likelihood of excess skin by up to 70% according to long-term client tracking.

Certified Coaches' Top Recommendations

Certified weight loss coaches consistently recommend four non-negotiable practices. First, build muscle through strength training 3-4 times weekly. Focus on compound movements like squats, push-ups, and rows using bodyweight or affordable resistance bands. This fills out space left by fat loss. Second, hit consistent collagen intake through bone broth, vitamin C-rich foods, and 10-15g daily collagen peptides. Third, stay extremely hydrated at 3-4 liters of water daily to maintain skin elasticity. Fourth, incorporate daily dry brushing and moisturizing to stimulate circulation. These steps address the joint pain and overwhelm many 45-54 year olds in our program face, but work even better for younger bodies. Track progress with measurements rather than just the scale to stay motivated without gym intimidation.

Realistic Expectations and Long-Term Success

At your age and with 20kg to lose, expect possible mild looseness that improves over 12-24 months as collagen production continues. Very few 18-year-olds need surgical intervention when following structured plans. The CFP Weight Loss method emphasizes sustainable habits over quick fixes, helping you manage blood pressure, diabetes risk, and hormonal balance simultaneously. Start with small wins like adding one strength session and hitting protein targets. Your skin will thank you, and you'll build confidence without the embarrassment that stops many from seeking help. Consistency beats perfection every time.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows cautious optimism about loose skin when dropping from 78kg to 58kg at 18. Most younger users report minimal sagging when losing no more than 0.5kg weekly, crediting strength training and high protein. Parents of teens often share success stories using collagen supplements and hydration, noting skin tightened over 1-2 years. A vocal minority describes mild stomach and arm laxity after faster losses from crash diets, especially those with previous yo-yo attempts. Middle-aged members with joint pain and hormonal issues envy the recovery speed of 18-year-olds but warn against rushing due to insurance limitations and conflicting online advice. Beginners frequently debate the effectiveness of dry brushing versus expensive creams, with lived experiences suggesting consistency in resistance work matters most. Overall sentiment highlights that gradual, coached approaches prevent the worst outcomes while building sustainable habits.
Clark, R. (2026). 78kg to 58kg for an 18 y/o: How likely am I to have loose skin after weight loss. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/78kg-to-58kg-for-an-18-y-o-how-likely-am-i-to-have-loose-skin-after-weight-loss-what-do-certified-weight-loss-coaches-recommend
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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