See this article and others on Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople - but note that we lose weight faster than 1-2 pounds a week so the problem may be exacerbated...

Answers from SparkPeople's Experts

Question: How do you get rid of excess skin from weight loss or prevent this problem from happening?

Expert Answer: Extra skin on the belly, arms or legs is a concern for individuals who have a large amount of weight to lose. This extra skin experience seems to happen more in people who lose a large amount of weight in a relatively short period of time.

"Special creams" really do not work and can border on being rip-offs. However, you can use a good moisturizer to hydrate the skin.

It takes longer for the skin to "shrink" than to lose the weight. In most cases, when you are losing weight slowly and consistently (about 1-2 pounds a week), the skin will naturally "shrink" so to speak, along with the loss of fat. So you'll need to give it some time. Exercise with weights, which helps to tone your muscles, can also help with the skin.

Time Involved: Exercise most days of the week

Body Benefit: Toned muscles and less excess skin