Can you lose weight by freezing fat?
Does fat freezing help with reducing weight
Fat freezing helps to reduce the amount of fat cells permanently but it does not aid overall weight loss. Following fat freezing you won't see a significant weight reduction on the scales as a result of treatment.
How freezing fat affects weight and fat
Cryolipolysis, derived from the Greek words "cryo" (cold) and "lipolysis" (breaking down fat), is a cosmetic procedure designed to selectively reduce localized fat deposits. The technique involves using a specialised device that applies controlled cooling to the targeted area, causing the fat cells to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body's natural processes gradually eliminate them, resulting in a reduction of fat in the treated area.
The fat cells that are destroyed as a result of fat freezing are not naturally restored, leading to permanent fat loss.
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Research and clinical studies have shown that cryolipolysis can be an effective method for reducing localised fat deposits. However, it's crucial to understand that fat freezing is not a weight loss solution in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a body contouring technique designed to target specific areas where stubborn fat tends to accumulate, such as the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and arms.
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While many individuals experience positive results from cryolipolysis, the effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as the treated area, the number of sessions, and individual metabolism. It is essential to manage expectations and recognise that fat freezing is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and regular exercise.
How fat freezing can aid weight loss
For those clients that are on a weight loss journey and are looking for treatments that can support them in their journey fat freezing may be worth considering, keeping in mind the limitations of treatment on overall fat loss.
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Fat freezing can tighten up areas of stubborn fat and improve how targeted areas on the body look and feel, such as the stomach, arms and legs. This can aid in weight loss as it is highly motivational to see results from fat and weight loss faster, and it becomes easier to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Fat freezing can also help those that are overweight that are on a weight loss journey to become more mobile and more confident in their bodies by reducing fat that could cause a disinterest in leaving the house or exercising.
For example, fat freezing on the arms can reduce movement of arm fat whilst moving and can tighten the area up to the point that moving the arms feels significantly less bothersome. The same applies for the inner thighs where chafing occurs or on other areas of the body where fat "gets in the way". Fat freezing can also reduce fat in areas that can make you feel highly insecure, making it more comfortable to change into exercise or swimming gear. Areas that can cause such discomfort could include the arms, back, stomach, mons pubis, thighs and calves.
No fat loss treatment, including surgical fat loss treatment, should ever be considered as an alternative to an active and healthy lifestyle. Weight gain will in every case reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, and in cases of more significant weight gain results could not show at all.
Why do fat freezing and other body sculpting treatments not aid in weight loss directly?
Fat freezing is a cosmetic procedure designed to target and reduce localized fat deposits in specific areas of the body. While it can contribute to body contouring and the reduction of stubborn fat, it's not primarily designed for overall weight loss. Several factors contribute to why fat freezing may not result in significant weight loss:
Localised treatment
Cryolipolysis is designed to treat specific areas of the body where stubborn fat accumulates, such as the abdomen, love handles, thighs, or arms. It is not a comprehensive weight loss solution that addresses fat stores throughout the entire body.
Limited impact on total body fat percentage
The procedure targets and eliminates a percentage of fat cells in the treated area. However, the overall impact on total body fat percentage may be limited. Body fat is distributed throughout various regions, and fat freezing specifically addresses the fat cells within the targeted area.
Metabolism and caloric expenditure
Cryolipolysis does not alter the body's metabolic rate or increase caloric expenditure in the way that traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, do. Weight loss is typically achieved by creating a calorie deficit, where the body burns more calories than it consumes. Fat freezing focuses on eliminating fat cells but does not directly influence the caloric balance.
Multiple sessions may be needed
While some individuals may see noticeable results after a single session, others may require multiple sessions to achieve their desired outcome. Each session typically targets a specific area, and the cumulative effect may be necessary for more pronounced changes.
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Healthy lifestyle is key
For sustainable and comprehensive weight loss, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial. Fat freezing is most effective when used in conjunction with these lifestyle factors. It is not a standalone solution but rather a tool to enhance the results of a healthy living approach.
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Individual variability
Individual responses to fat freezing can vary. Factors such as genetics, age, and metabolic rate play a role in how the body responds to the treatment. Some people may experience more significant results than others.
When weight loss is the goal
Fat freezing is a valuable option for individuals looking to address specific areas of localized fat without undergoing surgery. However, it's essential to recognise that the primary goal of cryolipolysis is body contouring rather than overall weight loss.
Combining fat freezing with a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and regular exercise is the most effective approach for achieving and maintaining a balanced and healthy body composition.
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For those looking for fat freezing treatment to aid with overall weight loss and body contouring we strongly recommend booking in for fat freezing only once the weight loss journey has successfully started, and initial results are showing on the scales. Those that are on a successful weight reduction journey at the start of their fat freezing journey are more likely to succeed in weight and fat reduction long term, If you start with fat freezing while you are still struggling to get control over your weight and lifestyle and its more likely that your weight will fluctuate following treatment, resulting in less visible results. This is demotivating not only regarding treatment, but also your lifestyle changes.