[smittenkitten]

I'm not sure where to put this, but I have a question.

I'm 5'10', 256lbs and about 100lbs overweight. I've been carrying all of this extra weight for about 10 years now and I made a committment on January 6th to break 200lbs. by mid-October. Since 1/6, I've lost 38lbs. Down from 294.

I work out 5-6 days week -- cardio, pilates, strength training -- but I'm starting to notice in some areas of my body, the skin is much darker.

Such as my inner thighs, underneath my arms, the crease of my neck (er...or where there *used* to be a crease. haha.)

Anyway, I'm not much sure what to do about it. I moisturize with skin firming lotion every day, twice a day. I use exfoliating gloves quite diligently in the shower every day. And while I have stretch-marks aplenty, it's not that. Short of using skin bleach, I don't know how to get rid of it. It's embarrassing.

Anyone else had this problem? Any recommendations?

Thanks.

-sk

[Suzanne 3FC]

A lot of people that have PCOS or insulin resistance get the skin discoloration you are describing. Have you looked at our PCOS forum yet? There are several threads there that describe many of the other symptoms. That could be the cause!

[sheiljd]

Hi,

The brown discoloration you have may be a condition called
Acanthosis nigricans. My son and sisters have this problem and our dermatologist says it is weight related. As you begin to lose weight it should diminish. There is a cream they can give you that requires a prescription. My son is 17 and has had it since about 14 when he gained a large amount of weight. I also am very obese, but don't have much at all. If you do a web search on it there is some good information. The worse thing you can do is try to exfolliate it or rub it alot. Our doc said it makes it worse.

I am also starting SB , I weigh around 350 lbs and if I don't lose it this time , I will probably have gastric bypass done. Been on SB about 10 days and feel much better.

TaKe care
Sheila

[Autumn S]

I use to have the same condition. I was put on glucophage to help my insulin resistance, it took about six months to get rid of it. Losing weight will help get rid of it too but it is harder to lose weight with insulin resistance without medication to help lower it.