Is it loose skin or fat? Topic

Rob.S 04/08/22
I've recently picked up where I left off in December 2021. I had lost the weight I needed to, and began gaining muscle. Some significant and unexpected physical pain interrupted my plans for the last 3 months. I've taken a completely different approach this time around. Because my pain comes around with overuse, I limit my physical training to a few sets at a time throughout the entire day. Every hour, walk for 5 minutes and do a set of one of many in a group of exercises, and 3-5 minutes of rowing a few times a day. This works for me because I work from home. I noticed results immediately! Brand new definition in my arms, legs, shoulders, back, and torso. But what confuses me is the amount of what appears to be fat or possibly extra skin. I was never obese when I began my fitness plan in August last year. I only needed to lose about 15-20 lbs from 189-172. I'm a slim guy with a long frame, 6ft tall. You'd think my fat/muscle ratio would be more on the lean side but that is not my case.

The amount of fat around my chest and waist is completely disproportionate to how it's distributed throughout the rest of my body. The results I mentioned above are everywhere EXCEPT my chest and torso. I am not gaining any weight at all. Staying steady at around 172 lbs. So it wouldn't make sense for it to be fat gain because I'm using my muscles plenty throughout the day now. My waist measurements haven't budged.

All of that said, I just can't tell what is fat versus loose skin after fat/weight loss around my entire body. I've heard myths about a "woosh" effect after weight loss. But it's not really studied all that well. If anyone can shed light on my question I'd appreciate it. Is it fat or loose skin?

Is it loose skin or fat?