Jane....nothing is permanent....please know that things will improve as long as you stay away from booze. No one can give you an exact time frame because our bodies are all different . I personally do 4-5 days of power yoga a week, which keeps me in shape. But anything cardio will help jump start your metabolism if that's your main concern. Dee's right...metabolisms rarely stay static. ....And yes, your eyes and/or skin will clear up. Just don't drink.