Preventing stretch marks

Stretch marks can't always be prevented for example, they often occur during pregnancy. However, there are some things you can do to help lower your chances of getting stretch marks.

Weight and diet

Stretch marks are often caused by gaining weight rapidly over a short period of time. Avoiding rapid weight gain and weight loss ("yo-yo dieting") can help prevent stretch marks.

If you need to lose weight, you should do it slowly by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly . You shouldn't lose more than 0.5kg (1lb) a week. These vitamins and minerals will help keep your skin healthy.

A balanced diet will provide all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Dietary supplements aren'tneeded to preventstretch marks.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measuremost people can use to check whether their weight is healthy in relation to their height and build. For most adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered healthy.

You can use the BMI healthy weight calculator to find out whether you're overweight.

During pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy (striae gravidarum)are usually caused by hormonal changes that affect your skin. Gaining pregnancy weight steadily may help minimise the effect of stretch marks.

During pregnancy, it's normal to put on weight overa relatively short period of time. However, it's a myth that you need to "eat for two", even if you're expecting twins or triplets.

If you're pregnant you don't need to go on a special diet, but you should eat a variety of foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients for you and your baby. Your diet should be rich in wholewheat carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta , as well as fruit and vegetables .

and being overweight and pregnant .