Freeze that fat!

We may need to consume our share of good fats when it comes to a balanced diet, however, when it comes to trimming down, there is no such thing as good fat. As we grow older, it becomes harder to lose weight and burn that fat. Stubborn fat in women is usually found in areas such as the abdomen, upper thighs and hips. Men are more likely to accumulate stubborn fat around the abdomen, lower back and the sides of their waist. Even if one is having a balanced diet and is working out as well, these areas are quite difficult to trim down. So how does one target specific problem areas that just don’t seem to budge? A revolutionary new fat reduction technology, CoolSculpting, claims it can freeze the fat. Speaking at a recent event at Dr Tasneem Nakhoda’s clinic in Karachi, Geovana Marca, the head of CoolSculpting by Zeltiq in UAE introduced this technology and its effectiveness in targeting fat cells in both men and women. This treatment has been launched in Pakistan by Aesthetic Sciences. It is an FDA approved, non surgical procedure which freezes and eliminates fat cells for long terms results. The procedure is based on patented cryolipolysis technology from the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Basically, it involves a device that is capable of treating fat in specific areas by freezing and killing it. The technology uses controlled cooling to target the fat cells stored in the body which naturally eliminates the fat from the body. Sounds too good to be true, right? According to Marca, there are zero needles, cuts or scarring involved. “The patient only feels a slight prickly sensation on the area where the device is used. Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen) they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. It may take up to 120 days for all the fat to be eliminated.”

 Adults have a set number of fat cells and in normal circumstances this number does not change. The fat cells just get bigger when we put on weight. So once a fat cell is killed, it is unlikely that a new one will emerge to take its place.

“The CoolSculpting treatment is a fat reduction treatment. The ideal candidate should not have a BMI of more than 28. The treatment is not suitable for those suffering from diabetes, hepatitis or cancer. Pregnant women, new mothers and those with active pacemakers - a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms - are also not eligible for the treatment.

A single treatment session lasts for an hour and there is no down time for the patient. You can get back to business right after your session - running errands or even working out. However, for a repeated treatment on the same area, you must wait for 45 days. Treatments on different areas can be done on the same day or even simultaneously,” explains Marca.

Regarding the outcome of this procedure, Marca claims, “In every session, you tend to lose 20 per cent of the fat stored in the area being treated. The number of treatments you require depends on how much fat your body needs to lose. Hence, the treatment is personalised for each patient with guidance from a certified CoolSculpting specialist.”

This effective and painless process is perfect for those who are looking for a non-invasive way of fat reduction. It is important to note that this is not a weight loss treatment, however, it should be applied as post weight loss treatment to target and sculpt problem areas. 

About regaining the fat Marca states, “If you start consuming junk food and fizzy drinks again after this treatment, of course your whole body will start storing fat again including those areas that had been treated.”

It is important to note that once you have opted for this treatment, you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid fatty foods. Or else all the fat will be restored in your body. “With CoolSculpting many patients have been motivated to stay fit and health after seeing the results,” concludes Marca.

- M.S