Getting rid of stubborn fat is not as straight forward as the weight loss industry would have us believe. Our bodies are complex chemistry labs, not bank accounts, completely debunking the popular philosophy that reducing localized fat deposits is as simple as “calories in, calories out.” Numerous factors beyond an individual’s control, such as gender, genetics, and hormones, all influence where our body collects weight, and whether or not that weight responds to diet or exercise.
Learn more about the physiology of fat. Discover why some fat is so stubborn, why some fat resists healthy living and what we can do to get rid of the bulges that refuse to budge.
The Biology of Body Shape
Genetics, gender, and hormones are just some of the factors that determine the number of fat cells within our body and where the body distributes those fat cells. Once we reach adulthood, the number of fat cells and their placement within our body becomes fixed. Lifestyle can influence how much fat is stored in those fat cells, but it cannot change how many fat cells are in our body or where our body stores those fat cells.
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For women, the body distributes more fat cells to the lower body in preparation for pregnancy. For men, the body tends to distribute more fat in the upper body. Not only does the body distribute more fat to certain areas, but also, the fat cells in these areas may be predisposed to resist diet and exercise.
The Physiology of Stubborn Fat
Fat cells have two receptors known as Alpha-2 and Beta-2 receptors. Alpha-2 receptors tell cells to store fat for later use. Beta-2 receptors tell cells to break down and release fat for immediate use. Fat cells have either more Alpha-2 receptors or more Beta-2 receptors. If the fat cell has more Alpha-2 receptors, it is predisposed to resist diet and exercise. If the cell has more Beta-2 receptors, it is predisposed to respond to diet and exercise by burning fat.
Unfortunately, the areas of the body with greater fat cell distribution are also composed of fat cells that have more Alpha-2 Receptors than Beta-2 Receptors. This means that for some people, their body not only stores more fat cells in the belly area, but that belly fat is predisposed to resist diet and exercise. This means that getting rid of stubborn belly fat can be nearly impossible for some individuals, no matter what they try.
Fat Reduction Options for Stubborn Bulges
Fortunately, fat reduction treatments, such as liposuction or CoolSculpting offer a safe and effective solution for reducing stubborn fat on individuals who live healthy, active lifestyles but cannot get rid of a problematic bulge. Fat reduction treatments do not entice the fat cell to release its fat. Rather these treatments remove the entire fat cell from the body. This reduces the number of fat cells in a given area, leading to a noticeable reduction in circumference that mimics the appearance of natural weight loss.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is the #1 non-invasive stubborn fat reducing treatment in the world. Also known as fat freezing, this revolutionary treatment uses controlled cooling to reduce stubborn fat in many areas of the body. CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared as safe and effective. This body contouring treatment is popular among both men and women seeking a non-surgical solution for sculpting attractive curves. If you struggle with stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, CoolSculpting may be right for you.
Benefits of CoolSculpting
Non-invasive, non-surgical alternative to liposuction
Quick and convenient 35-minute treatments
Little to no downtime required
Natural-looking and long-lasting
Safely and effectively reduce stubborn fat
FDA-cleared
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting uses the science of Cryolipolysis to freeze away stubborn fat cells. In the CoolSculpting treatment, fat cells are grouped and exposed to freezing temperatures. Once the fat cells are frozen, they will crystallize and rupture. These fat cells are rendered dead and will be processed naturally out of the body as waste (via the lymphatic system). Surrounding tissues and the overlying skin will not be affected.
CoolSculpting Treatment Areas
CoolSculpting can treat almost anywhere on the body from head to toe. These areas include flanks (love handles), abdomen (belly), back fat, underneath the buttocks (banana roll), armpit fat (bra bulge), submental region (double chin and neck fat), thighs, fat above the knees, upper arm fat, and chest (for men- man boobs or moobs).
Am I a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is intended for healthy men and women who struggle with bulges and stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise. However, CoolSculpting is not suitable for everyone and is not intended as a weight-loss treatment or solution for obesity. The best way to know if CoolSculpting is right for you is to speak with a reputable provider in a complimentary consultation.
Are CoolSculpting Results Permanent?
Unlike weight loss programs that shrink fat cells, CoolSculpting results in long-term stubborn fat reduction. This is because fat cells that are processed out through Cryolipolysis, once gone, are gone for good. They cannot regrow or re-expand. However, excessive weight gain may obscure your stubborn fat reduction transformation. To keep your CoolSculpting results, it is best to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Individual results will vary.* However, most patients see complete results of their CoolSculpting treatments within 8 - 12 weeks. Although it can seem a long time to wait, many patients appreciate the natural appearance of weight loss over time.
Related reading: Learn How To Reset Your Metabolism For Effective Weight Management
The Cost of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting costs are determined by various factors, including the number of treatments required to attain your aesthetic goals, the applicators used, the treatment areas, and more. Considering the cost of CoolSculpting is set by the manufacturer, prices are relatively the same no matter where you go to reduce stubborn fat. If CoolSculpting is right for you, a provider will create a treatment plan based on your stubborn fat reduction goals and budget. In addition, many medspas and providers sometimes offer new client specials and packages to help patients save on CoolSculpting treatments.
Freeze Away Stubborn Fat
NEW PATIENTS RECEIVE 25% OFF COOLSCULPTING COST
Find out more about CoolSculpting
The best way to determine if CoolSculpting is right for you is to schedule a complimentary consultation with fat reduction specialist, Dr. Natalya Chalik of Emerson Medical. Contact Dr. Chalik online by filling out the form below or call (718) 448-3800 today.