Have you heard of fat freezing treatments? I’ve been a health and fitness coach for well over 15 years, and I’ve seen some weird and wonderful things come and go! Waist trimming belts, fat burning tablets, thigh slimming procedures. But “fat freezing” is a new one. Does it work? Maybe. Should you do it? No. Here’s why…
What is “fat freezing”?
Fat freezing – or cryolipolysis – is a non-surgical procedure offered by some advanced beauty clinics. It claims to use ultra cold temperatures to reduce body fat deposits in specific areas of the body. It’s said that these treatments will help customers get rid of those “final few” areas that diet and activity won’t touch.
It won’t surprise you to hear that such procedures are advertised to target thighs, tummy, upper arms…all the areas women are told to worry about! The way treatments like this tap into women’s socially-conditioned concerns is just one reason I disagree with the whole thing.
Does fat freezing work?
Some fat freezing procedures in the USA say they are “FDA approved”. But what does this mean? We need to look at the science. These treatments claim to “destroy” fat cells and cause “cell death”. The hyperbolic language itself is a red flag to me!
I can’t categorically say these fat freezing treatments have no effect. But here’s my concern. They are a quick fix. Even if the treatments get rid of a few pounds of fat, what’s to stop you putting it back on next month, next year, or next time life happens and you turn to your unhealthy habits?
Can you get rid of fat cells?
Here’s the truth about fat cells. You can never get rid of them. However, many fat cells you have in your body, that’s the number you will always have. You simply cannot get rid of fat cells (nor can you gain any extra). When you lose weight, you don’t get rid of fat cells, and when you gain weight, you don’t add new ones.
What does happen? When you lose weight, you lose actual fat from inside the cells, and the cells decrease in size. And should you put on weight from body fat, those same cells will grow in size.
What is body fat?
It’s important to remember that there are two types of body fat: subcutaneous fat (the stuff just under the skin) and visceral fat (around the organs). Whilst subcutaneous fat might not look great, it’s not your biggest health concern. Visceral fat is far more of a risk to your long-term health. And you can’t see it.
When you do something like fat freezing, it only targets subcutaneous body fat. So you might look a bit leaner, but you won’t do anything to improve your health. On the other hand, when you lose body fat through healthier eating and exercise, you will shrink both kinds of fat, and this will have a huge positive impact on your health markers.
Why you should avoid “procedures” like fat freezing
Fat freezing procedures are an expensive quick fix that teach you nothing about nutrition, exercise, or healthy habits. Even if you did lose a few lbs of fat through fat freezing, your lifestyle would be the same as when you went in to the clinic. It’s extremely likely that you’ll put the fat back on – because you haven’t gained any knowledge about how to lose fat or keep it off.
The best way to lose body fat
Things like fat freezing are flawed concepts because they don’t change a person’s behaviour. The very best way to lose body fat (or change your body in any other way) is to seek advice and education from an expert you trust. That’s why coaching works.
What causes weight gain? A person’s behaviour. What leads to weight loss and maintaining that loss? Changes in behaviour.
When it comes to our bodies, we should never be looking for a quick fix. True health is built over a lifetime, and it starts by changing one habit at a time.
Ready to lose body fat the sustainable way (and learn how to keep it off)? Get in touch to discuss my online or in-person coaching.
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