Q:

Is there any way to prevent breast shrinkage due to weight loss? I've recently lost a lot of weight, and while I'm happy about that, I've gone down about one and a half cup sizes, and the shape has changed significantly. Will consuming significant quantities of phytoestrogens perhaps be of use, or can pectoral exercises at least affect the appearance?

 

A:

Are you at a healthy weight currently? If you are unsure, our dietician Jill Kelly can help you with determining what weight range is ideal for you. Breast size does diminish with weight loss and body fat loss, and there is no proven way to change that. Phytoestrogens have not been studied for safety in premenopausal women. Pectoral exercises won't change the breast tissue itself at all.

Resist the temptation to try cosmetic fixes, surgical or otherwise. Your body is healthier overall if you have lost excessive weight, so breast appearance is secondary, and will be a nonissue if you ever decide to become pregnant and lactate. Your breast tissue undergoes major changes at that point no matter what you do now.

~The Doc