There is a reason old photographs show siblings raised in the same house looking very different. Human beings may share habits, but bodies have their own stories. Some people lose weight quickly. Others struggle despite exercising and eating well. A few develop nutritional deficiencies. Others end up with sagging skin or muscle loss. These differences are not failures. They are biology.
The Biggest Mistake People Make When Trying to Lose Weight
Dr Anmol Chugh, Associate Director and Head, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, and Founder of Seena Strong Campaign, said, "Despite endless posts showcasing quick fixes online, folks often chase copycat results without realizing one key fact: bodies respond differently. A growing number arrive at my clinic having shed pounds, yet troubled by something they did not foresee - excess skin that hangs loosely behind." Health experts have long stressed that obesity and weight management are complex and involve genetics, metabolism, environment, behavior and social factors. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that body weight is influenced by many interconnected systems and there is no single solution for everyone.
Why Two People Can Follow the Same Plan and Get Completely Different Results
Weight loss is not simply about calories. It is also about what lies beneath. According to Dr Chugh, "One individual's success can become someone else's struggle with loose skin, poor nutrition, or uneven shape. Because factors like genes, age, how long a person was obese, and their skin's condition play key roles. Even past tobacco use or hormone levels shift outcomes in unpredictable ways." Years of obesity can damage collagen and elastic fibers that help skin maintain its firmness. Once these supportive structures weaken, they do not always recover completely. "When fat stays present too long, it harms the body's internal scaffolding - collagen and elastic fibers - which often fail to bounce back fully. Though some regain firmness naturally, others face lasting changes. Especially true when shedding large amounts quickly, no matter if surgery, drugs, or strict eating caused it." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that healthy weight management is influenced by genetics, sleep, medications, stress levels, physical activity and environmental factors. This explains why comparing one person's transformation picture with another person's body can be misleading. Bodies are not photocopies.
Fast Weight Loss Often Comes with Costs That Social Media Rarely Shows
Quick transformations make headlines. But the body prefers patience. Dr Chugh warned, "Most times, losing weight at high speed brings no real advantage. When fat vanishes fast, skin often lags behind - resulting in loose patches around the stomach, thighs, chin, upper arms, face, or torso." He added, "Lately, more individuals show up with extra folds after extreme slimming tied to modern obesity drugs or drastic eating plans." The numbers on the weighing scale may drop quickly, but health is measured in much more than kilograms. After all, as Warren Buffett famously said, "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." The same principle applies to health. Lasting results are usually built slowly.
Preventing Problems Begins Long Before Reaching the Target Weight
Many people think the journey ends when the desired number appears on the scale. Experts say prevention actually starts much earlier. Dr Chugh explained, "Before reaching target weight, preventive care already takes shape. Gradual reduction of body fat - guided by medical oversight - becomes central, especially when paired with strength-based exercise to retain muscle." He also highlights the importance of nutrition. "Protein plays an essential role; it fuels collagen production while safeguarding the supportive structure under the skin. Staying well hydrated matters, just as much as steering clear of tobacco, shielding skin from sunlight, and eating for nutrient density - all quietly shaping how skin responds throughout change." Think of weight loss like renovating a house. Removing unwanted parts is important, but preserving the structure matters just as much.
Sometimes Loose Skin Is Unavoidable, and That Is Not a Sign of Failure
Not every physical change after weight loss can be prevented. Dr Chugh said, "Truth is some sagging skin happens no matter what, especially once a person sheds serious pounds." He added, "Still, lotions, rubbing the area, or taking collagen might help texture just a bit. Yet those won't erase hanging folds completely." For some people, excess skin affects daily life. "Sometimes drooping skin leads to irritation, cleaning troubles, limited movement, even mental strain. In cases like that, reshaping operations - like tightening belly, arms, thighs, or full-body tissue - could make sense for health reasons." He advised patience before considering surgery. "Better wait until the scale stays steady many months, eating well, before thinking about going under the knife." The larger lesson is that health should not become a race against someone else's body.
Medical Experts Consulted
This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by Dr Anmol Chugh, Associate Director and Head, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, and Founder of Seena Strong Campaign. Inputs were used to explain why copying someone else's weight-loss plan can do more harm than good and why a personalized, medically guided approach is essential for safe and sustainable results.
