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Published on: May 23, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Stretch Marks: Causes And Treatment

Stretch marks are markings that often show up on the skin during pregnancy, estrus, or rapid growth spurts. They’re usually red or purple at first, but eventually fade to a silvery white. Pregnancy is the most common cause of stretch marks, but they can also be caused by weight gain during puberty or from certain medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. While stretch marks are harmless and don’t pose any health risks, many people find them unsightly and are looking for ways to get rid of them.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin during periods of rapid growth or stretching. The most common places they appear are on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and breasts. During pregnancy, these markings often show up around the sixth or seventh month as the skin stretches to accommodate a growing belly.

While stretch marks do not pose any health risks, many people regard them as unsightly blemishes. In general, there are two ways to treat them: topical treatments and laser therapy. Topical treatments for stretch marks include moisturizers, retinoids, creams containing Vitamin C, and body oils like cocoa butter. These products work by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation in the area . Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin after it has been stretched or distorted in some way. They’re often associated with pregnancy, weight gain, andgrowth spurts during adolescence. However, anyone can develop stretch marks, even though they’re more common in women than men.

Stretch marks usually first appear as reddish or purple lines, but over time they tend to turn a lighter color. They tend to be most visible on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks—areas where larger amounts of fat are typically stored. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of stretch marks. There are many different causes of stretch marks, from changes in weight to pregnancy and puberty. However, the most common cause of stretch marks is due to rapid weight gain or loss. When the skin stretches quickly, it can cause the collagen fibers to break down, resulting in stretch marks.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks. topical creams and lotions can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing hydration and elasticity. laser treatments can also be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor before using any treatments as some ingredients may not be safe for your baby.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of fast growth or change. They’re most common during puberty, pregnancy, and after sudden weight gain. Between 40 and 90% of pregnant women get them. Up to 30% of adolescent girls and boys have them too.

For many people, stretch marks are a source of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize their appearance and even get rid of them completely. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes stretch marks and some of the best treatments available.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks happen when your skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. There are a number of factors that can cause stretch marks, including pregnancy, gain or loss of weight, changes in body composition, and pubertal growth spurts. There is no surefire way to prevent stretch marks from occurring, but there are some things you can do to minimize your risk. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer regularly. eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will also help to keep your skin stretched taut.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of rapid growth or weight gain. Though they're more common in women, both sexes can get them. Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity, causing the dermis (the middle layer of skin) to tear. This results in a markings or indentations on the surface of the skin. Though they're not dangerous, stretch marks can be unsightly, which is why many people look for ways to get rid of them. There are a number of different treatments for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Some popular methods include topical creams and lotions, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. There are many different causes of stretch marks, but the most common cause is pregnancy. Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down. This can happen during pregnancy as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing belly. Other causes of stretch marks include weight gain or weight loss, pubertal growth spurts, and bodybuilding.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen on the stomach, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs. They typically appear as lines or streaks that are slightly darker than your surrounding skin color. In some cases they may be itchy or painful.

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How Lifestyle Affects Overall Health: The Power of Everyday Choices

Health is not shaped by a single decision or an occasional effort. It is the result of thousands of small choices made every day. Understanding how lifestyle affects overall health is essential in a world where chronic diseases are increasingly driven by daily habits rather than infections alone.

In India, lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity account for a large share of illness and premature death. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, poor sleep and chronic stress are major contributors to this growing burden.

What Is Lifestyle in the Context of Health?

Lifestyle refers to routine behaviours that influence health outcomes over time. These include:

dietary habits
physical activity levels
sleep patterns
stress management
substance use
work-life balance

While genetics influence disease susceptibility, lifestyle determines whether those risks are activated or controlled.

Why Lifestyle Plays a Central Role in Health

1. Lifestyle influences metabolic balance

Daily habits regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Poor lifestyle choices disrupt these systems long before symptoms appear.

2. Lifestyle shapes immune strength

WHO reports highlight that nutrition, sleep and stress directly affect immune response and infection resistance.

3. Lifestyle affects mental wellbeing

Mental health is closely linked to sleep quality, stress levels, physical activity and social connection.

Key Lifestyle Factors That Affect Overall Health

Diet and Nutrition

Diet provides the building blocks for every system in the body.

Unhealthy dietary patterns:

excess sugar and refined carbohydrates
high salt intake
ultra-processed foods

These increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Preventive nutrition focuses on:

whole grains
fruits and vegetables
adequate protein
healthy fats

NFHS-5 data shows widespread nutritional imbalance in Indian diets, increasing disease vulnerability.

Physical Activity

Movement is essential for metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Physical inactivity leads to:

weight gain
insulin resistance
muscle loss
poor circulation

ICMR identifies sedentary behaviour as a major driver of non-communicable diseases.

Even moderate daily activity improves health outcomes significantly.

Sleep Quality and Duration

Sleep is a biological necessity, not a luxury.

Poor sleep affects:

hormone balance
immunity
mental focus
blood sugar control

Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to diabetes, heart disease and depression, as documented by WHO and Lancet studies.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress triggers hormonal changes that increase inflammation and disease risk.

Unmanaged stress contributes to:

hypertension
digestive disorders
anxiety and depression
weakened immunity

Mental wellbeing is inseparable from physical health.

Substance Use

Tobacco, excessive alcohol and recreational drugs have cumulative health effects.

These increase the risk of:

cancers
liver disease
cardiovascular illness
mental health disorders

Lifestyle modification remains the most effective preventive strategy.

How Lifestyle Leads to Chronic Diseases

Lifestyle-related diseases develop gradually through repeated exposure to risk factors.

Examples include:

unhealthy diet leading to diabetes
inactivity contributing to heart disease
poor sleep worsening metabolic health
chronic stress increasing blood pressure

ICMR data shows that a majority of chronic diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Across Different Life Stages

Young adults

Habits formed early influence lifelong health trajectories.

Middle age

Lifestyle determines whether early metabolic changes progress to disease.

Older adults

Healthy routines slow functional decline and improve quality of life.

Preventive lifestyle choices are beneficial at every stage.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on:

identifying lifestyle risks early
guiding behaviour change
monitoring health trends

NITI Aayog identifies lifestyle modification as a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare systems.

Workplace and Community Impact

Lifestyle choices are shaped by environments.

Supportive workplaces and communities:

promote physical activity
encourage healthy eating
reduce stress
support preventive screening

Lancet workplace health studies show that structured lifestyle programs improve long-term health outcomes.

Common Myths About Lifestyle and Health

Myth 1: Lifestyle changes require extreme discipline

Small, consistent changes matter more than perfection.

Myth 2: Genetics determine health completely

Lifestyle strongly influences whether genetic risks manifest.

Myth 3: Healthy habits matter only after diagnosis

Prevention is most effective before disease develops.

Building a Health-Supportive Lifestyle

Key principles include:

consistency over intensity
balance rather than restriction
routine monitoring
stress awareness
adequate rest

Healthy lifestyles are sustainable, not temporary.

Long-Term Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Consistent healthy habits lead to:

reduced disease risk
improved immunity
better mental clarity
sustained energy
longer, healthier life

WHO and NITI Aayog emphasise lifestyle improvement as one of the most cost-effective health strategies.

Conclusion

Understanding how lifestyle affects overall health highlights the power of everyday choices. Diet, movement, sleep, stress and habits collectively shape physical and mental wellbeing over time. In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly, prevention begins with daily routines rather than hospital visits. By adopting balanced, sustainable lifestyle habits, individuals can protect their health, reduce disease risk and build long-term resilience.

References

ICMR – Lifestyle and Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Lifestyle and Health Indicator
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Strategy
WHO – Lifestyle Risk Factors and Disease Prevention Guidelines
Lancet – Lifestyle, Behaviour and Chronic Disease Studie
Statista – Lifestyle Trends and Health Outcomes India
EY-FICCI – Economic Impact of Lifestyle Diseases

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