Page 2 | Anyone else stopping due to how aging losing weight is?!

Hedgehogtimeagain · 2025-10-27T07:34:40+00:00

I just wanted to see where everyone is drawing a line on taking wli (unless maintaining) as I have recently stopped after losing 2 stone. I originally stopped in October last year at a bmi of 24.5 but then restarted in March as I had put on 2kgs, I feel in hindsight this was irrational. I am now at a bmi of 24 and stopped a month ago as I felt it was really starting to age me. I’m now happy being between 24-25.5 and a size 12. All the collagen in the world won’t prevent the loss of volume in the face that is associated with wli, and I look at photos 3 years ago and think how much better I looked with more padding in the face. I just wondered how people are balancing losing weight and being at a lower bmi against the effect that it has on how you look? It’s been quite alarming in my case, and I don’t want to go down the route of fillers/ Botox but it’s that age old thing of solving one problem but creating another!

spoonbillstretford · 27/10/2025 11:49

I look and feel younger at 50 after losing 30lbs. My double chin and body shape were ageing. I don't feel I need to be a size six as I was for a while in my 20s but a size ten is great. I do have very good muscle tone though as I've always exercised and done weights. I think people look older who don't have good muscle tone.

HollywentLightly · 27/10/2025 12:02

I'm planning to stop at a bmi of 27. I'm short, 5ft2, and maintaining anything lower is incredibly hard. I did it about 8 years ago but it required 1200 calories a day plus 3 heavy weights sessions, 3 runs a week (5k x 2 plus 10k) and swimming 2k twice a week. I need to enjoy living in this healthier body, even if I could technically do more.

FoxRedPuppy · 27/10/2025 13:27

I’m 44 and I probably look 44. I don’t really care. Aging is a privilege. I’m aiming to be as healthy as possible. Happily live to 90 with scrawny jowly face, there is so much to me that what age I look.

PuppyKeep · 27/10/2025 16:07

HollywentLightly · 27/10/2025 12:02

I'm planning to stop at a bmi of 27. I'm short, 5ft2, and maintaining anything lower is incredibly hard. I did it about 8 years ago but it required 1200 calories a day plus 3 heavy weights sessions, 3 runs a week (5k x 2 plus 10k) and swimming 2k twice a week. I need to enjoy living in this healthier body, even if I could technically do more.

Couldn’t you take WLI as maintenance?

1clavdivs · 27/10/2025 18:06

I think I've aged as I've lost weight, pretty much all over (crepey skin) but mostly in my neck and face.

I'm not a fan of the turkey neck, but losing weight wasn't a cosmetic decision and I'm happy if my looks are the trade off for better health. In any case I question whether I have actually aged unnaturally quickly, or if this is just how I look at age 50 and a healthy BMI.

Mysticmaiden · 27/10/2025 20:48

Hedgehogtimeagain · 27/10/2025 08:49

That’s great, lucky you! Do you mind me asking your age, I am 44 so not sure if that’s something to do with it.

I have had two separate people that didn’t know me 3 years ago, say they wouldn’t have recognised me in a photo - and I don’t think they mean it in a good way 😂

Ive lost my double chin but also lost volume in the cheek area so it maybe looks a bit more saggy now.
Ive absolutely loved fitting into smaller clothes and not dreading not being able to find something to wear, but for me a happy medium is a slightly higher bmi but still in the healthy range.

Show quote history

I'm 43 and bmi 23.1 and everyone tells me I look like in my 20s! My skin is smoother, less fat means less lumps and bumps and looking a lot younger. I also dress better and don't have a massive belly anymore so that helps.

tumtumtumtime · 27/10/2025 21:01

Wildgoat · 27/10/2025 08:59

Being over 25 bmi when over 70, gives you bone health protection, yes, but it also comes with the exact same risks of being overweight, these risks don’t go away due to age, I’m afraid. So it’s plus and minus.

Show quote history

no, the optimum healthy weight for over 65's is between 25-27,bearing in mind that BMI is a v. blunt tool - there are other aspects including better cognitive health, better nutrition and better function than going into old age at lower weights. the smartbmi calculator is better for those post menopausal smartbmicalculator.com

Ellerby · 27/10/2025 21:13

It's always been said that after a certain age you have to choose your face or your arse.

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:20

Interesting you should say that.
I've lost 4 stone in the past 16 months using MJ.
Got to goal on Saturday. BMI now 25.
Past few weeks, I've been thinking holy shit who is that in the mirror. And not in a good way.
I look like me but in 10 years time.
Noticeable fine lines have suddenly developed all over my face, especially over my cheeks which used to be plumped out and youthful looking.
My forehead is 100 times more wrinkled, so suddenly, alarmingly so.
My eyes look sunken.
Another weird and unexplainable thing is that I've stopped smiling, ever since I increased to 15mg. It's so weird, and difficult to explain. But my face had become deadpan. Expressionless. Morose. Yet before MJ I was the smiliest person ever, and was known for it. Now I can't muster a smile, my face muscles feel miserable. I can't explain why.
But most of all, JFC, my NECK. Like WTAF????? I look like a reptile suddenly! A whole neck full of crinkly, loose, baggy, crepey skin from my sternum up to my jaw. Like you'd expect to see on a 96 year old. Only I'm 45.
I lost weight for health reasons, but oh my God what a compromise. It's rapidly accelerated the aging process.
I had gotten used to people assuming I was years younger than my actual age when I was overweight. Now, I look older than my age.

Dantelli · 27/10/2025 21:36

I've lost 2 stone and look a bit older (I'm 52).

But I still look better than before. Healthier and less puffy. I'd rather look fitter and more wrinkly, rather than smoother and like someone blew me up with a bicycle pump.

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:41

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:20

Interesting you should say that.
I've lost 4 stone in the past 16 months using MJ.
Got to goal on Saturday. BMI now 25.
Past few weeks, I've been thinking holy shit who is that in the mirror. And not in a good way.
I look like me but in 10 years time.
Noticeable fine lines have suddenly developed all over my face, especially over my cheeks which used to be plumped out and youthful looking.
My forehead is 100 times more wrinkled, so suddenly, alarmingly so.
My eyes look sunken.
Another weird and unexplainable thing is that I've stopped smiling, ever since I increased to 15mg. It's so weird, and difficult to explain. But my face had become deadpan. Expressionless. Morose. Yet before MJ I was the smiliest person ever, and was known for it. Now I can't muster a smile, my face muscles feel miserable. I can't explain why.
But most of all, JFC, my NECK. Like WTAF????? I look like a reptile suddenly! A whole neck full of crinkly, loose, baggy, crepey skin from my sternum up to my jaw. Like you'd expect to see on a 96 year old. Only I'm 45.
I lost weight for health reasons, but oh my God what a compromise. It's rapidly accelerated the aging process.
I had gotten used to people assuming I was years younger than my actual age when I was overweight. Now, I look older than my age.

And another thing - I've lost my bum!!!!
And I really miss it!😂
I'm now flat from my lower back to the top of my back thighs. Nothing there. Vanished.
Deflated. Gone.
Looks hideous.
Nothing more 'elderly lady' like than no bum whatsoever.

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:41

The few people I know who have taken wli's look dreadful in the face.
One has done some serious gym work so looks strong and not scrawny but she is still injecting.

The lady in 50's looks dreadful, a little like a skeleton with skin draped over it. She had a lovely bonny face but now looks a good 10 - 15 years older than her years. She of course thinks she looks the bee's knees and won't even listen to her adult daughter as to how frail she looks.

Another lady in her 50's doesn't look healthy but is definitely not as bad as the other one. She is absolutely obsessed with food though to the point I have known her nearly a year and I don't think our conversations have ever moved away from food.

Whereas I would have considered using MJ etc had I been overweight, seeing close up what it does to their faces would put me right off.

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:43

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:41

And another thing - I've lost my bum!!!!
And I really miss it!😂
I'm now flat from my lower back to the top of my back thighs. Nothing there. Vanished.
Deflated. Gone.
Looks hideous.
Nothing more 'elderly lady' like than no bum whatsoever.

Show quote history

Do you go to the gym?
Hip thrusts will get your bum back.

FoxRedPuppy · 27/10/2025 21:43

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:41

And another thing - I've lost my bum!!!!
And I really miss it!😂
I'm now flat from my lower back to the top of my back thighs. Nothing there. Vanished.
Deflated. Gone.
Looks hideous.
Nothing more 'elderly lady' like than no bum whatsoever.

Show quote history

Have you done any exercise to build your glutes? If you lose fat and don’t replace with building muscle, that will happen.

FoxRedPuppy · 27/10/2025 21:44

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:41

The few people I know who have taken wli's look dreadful in the face.
One has done some serious gym work so looks strong and not scrawny but she is still injecting.

The lady in 50's looks dreadful, a little like a skeleton with skin draped over it. She had a lovely bonny face but now looks a good 10 - 15 years older than her years. She of course thinks she looks the bee's knees and won't even listen to her adult daughter as to how frail she looks.

Another lady in her 50's doesn't look healthy but is definitely not as bad as the other one. She is absolutely obsessed with food though to the point I have known her nearly a year and I don't think our conversations have ever moved away from food.

Whereas I would have considered using MJ etc had I been overweight, seeing close up what it does to their faces would put me right off.

It is t the WLI, its rapid weight loss. There is nothing in MJ or any others that cause this

Original poster

Hedgehogtimeagain · 27/10/2025 21:47

HadlowDown · 27/10/2025 21:41

And another thing - I've lost my bum!!!!
And I really miss it!😂
I'm now flat from my lower back to the top of my back thighs. Nothing there. Vanished.
Deflated. Gone.
Looks hideous.
Nothing more 'elderly lady' like than no bum whatsoever.

Show quote history

Ah I’m sure you’re being unnecessarily hard on yourself but I did chuckle reading this 😂

Im oiling the shit out of my face every night to try regain some form of elasticity but I don’t think I’ll restart no matter what, despite the fact I have 3 full pens in the fridge.

It may actually be a side effect of the medication because when I’ve lost weight before I certainly didn’t end up looking like a haggard version of my grandma….I have so far avoided the Turkey neck but my bmi is still nearly 25 so I have a bit of padding still.

I saw the start of a double chin today but thought fuck it, I know what the alternative is so I’ll just stick at around bmi 25 and be grateful for the loss I have had.

I get that it’s better to be healthy than look good, however I do actually want to enjoy my life so would prefer to not prematurely look like a crepey reptilian, if it can be helped.

OP posts:

badstrict · 27/10/2025 21:56

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:41

The few people I know who have taken wli's look dreadful in the face.
One has done some serious gym work so looks strong and not scrawny but she is still injecting.

The lady in 50's looks dreadful, a little like a skeleton with skin draped over it. She had a lovely bonny face but now looks a good 10 - 15 years older than her years. She of course thinks she looks the bee's knees and won't even listen to her adult daughter as to how frail she looks.

Another lady in her 50's doesn't look healthy but is definitely not as bad as the other one. She is absolutely obsessed with food though to the point I have known her nearly a year and I don't think our conversations have ever moved away from food.

Whereas I would have considered using MJ etc had I been overweight, seeing close up what it does to their faces would put me right off.

had I lost the 7 stone I lost without using WLI I would still look the same. It’s not the WLI it’s the weight loss.

Wildgoat · 27/10/2025 22:00

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:41

The few people I know who have taken wli's look dreadful in the face.
One has done some serious gym work so looks strong and not scrawny but she is still injecting.

The lady in 50's looks dreadful, a little like a skeleton with skin draped over it. She had a lovely bonny face but now looks a good 10 - 15 years older than her years. She of course thinks she looks the bee's knees and won't even listen to her adult daughter as to how frail she looks.

Another lady in her 50's doesn't look healthy but is definitely not as bad as the other one. She is absolutely obsessed with food though to the point I have known her nearly a year and I don't think our conversations have ever moved away from food.

Whereas I would have considered using MJ etc had I been overweight, seeing close up what it does to their faces would put me right off.

Wow, the people I know on it, all look younger, fresher and healthier, which I think is due to reduced alcohol, a healthy diet, and being fully hydrated, as well of course as losing the double chins and facial puffiness, I genuinely don’t know anyone on them who looks worse. On line, Reddit is the only site I know with loads of before and afters and they are hugely predominantly the same, people looking younger, fitter in their after photos.

Original poster

Hedgehogtimeagain · 27/10/2025 22:03

Wildgoat · 27/10/2025 22:00

Wow, the people I know on it, all look younger, fresher and healthier, which I think is due to reduced alcohol, a healthy diet, and being fully hydrated, as well of course as losing the double chins and facial puffiness, I genuinely don’t know anyone on them who looks worse. On line, Reddit is the only site I know with loads of before and afters and they are hugely predominantly the same, people looking younger, fitter in their after photos.

Show quote history

I must be the exception to the rule then as I think I look a lot worse 😂

OP posts:

TheBlueHotel · 27/10/2025 22:10

I'm sure you don't look worse. Fat faces aren't youthful really and while it's not pleasant seeing the sag, from most angles my face looks much better and I look younger with less weight on. However I'm not aiming to go under BMI 25 as that's what suits me best so I might look dreadful if I lost another couple of stone!

TinglyandCurious · 27/10/2025 22:10

I’ve gone from BMI 37 to 27 (5.5st loss) and think it’s nearly time to stop. I’m also 6ft and consequently BMI not the most accurate tool (was even told by GP last week that BMI is even less accurate for women under 5ft and over 5’10”) Hearing that combined with my face definitely looking older (I’m 41) means it’s nearly time to start maintenance. Im a happy size 12-14 and that works for me. Would rather not be skinny if I can preserve my face a bit longer!

TyroleanKnockabout · 27/10/2025 22:17

QuirkyHorse · 27/10/2025 21:41

The few people I know who have taken wli's look dreadful in the face.
One has done some serious gym work so looks strong and not scrawny but she is still injecting.

The lady in 50's looks dreadful, a little like a skeleton with skin draped over it. She had a lovely bonny face but now looks a good 10 - 15 years older than her years. She of course thinks she looks the bee's knees and won't even listen to her adult daughter as to how frail she looks.

Another lady in her 50's doesn't look healthy but is definitely not as bad as the other one. She is absolutely obsessed with food though to the point I have known her nearly a year and I don't think our conversations have ever moved away from food.

Whereas I would have considered using MJ etc had I been overweight, seeing close up what it does to their faces would put me right off.

My DP looked a bit gaunt for a few weeks after he got to target weight, but then it seemed to redistribute a bit and now his face looks normal. I think that is quite common.

Original poster

Hedgehogtimeagain · 27/10/2025 22:22

TheBlueHotel · 27/10/2025 22:10

I'm sure you don't look worse. Fat faces aren't youthful really and while it's not pleasant seeing the sag, from most angles my face looks much better and I look younger with less weight on. However I'm not aiming to go under BMI 25 as that's what suits me best so I might look dreadful if I lost another couple of stone!

I think that’s where I am, I originally aimed to get to a bmi of 22-23 but I would look horrific. Staying at BMI 25 is good for me - I’m hoping now I’ve stopped that things will even out. My hair is showing signs of regrowth which will help and I’m hoping my cheeks plump up a little.

im really happy I was able to lose the weight but it’s refocused my mind from being obsessed with a number to get down to and also a dress size.

At bmi 25 I don’t think I look fat and if I can retain some form of reasonable face, I’m happy with that!

OP posts:

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 27/10/2025 23:25

The age old problem - your face or your arse...

AmythestBangle · 27/10/2025 23:38

Yes my face is definitely a problem. I am 62. I use retinol and various oils. It's not wrinkles per se that are the problem, I dont really have them, but the hollows/dark circles under my eyes. I love the way I feel and look in my clothes but my face is (in certain lights) not great.