Freezing the fat away - cutting edge weight loss procedure on it's way?

Added on 25/08/10

Author: Sarah Warman – Reporter

Although we've always been told about the best ways to burn fat, experts in New York and Vancouver are looking into cutting edge procedures that involve the freezing of body fat.

Killing fat cells

The Zeltiq CoolSculpting procedure is described as a 'non-invasive process for weight loss'. The hour long procedure involves a precise and effective cooling system to problem areas that can't be trimmed by diet and physical activity.

The device targets areas of the body that are holding body fat, freezing them in order to kill the fat cells. Fat cells can be frozen quicker than skin cells, meaning that no damage is done to the skin. The remaining dead cells are then removed naturally in the body.

Jean Carruthers is a cosmetic surgeon in Vancouver, who has used the procedure on around 50 patients so far. He strongly backs the technique, claiming “It's a very clever way of killing fat cells” she said.

“Improvement”

“The Zeltiq procedure is different because it uses a cooling technology to safely target and eliminate fat cells without harming the skin” said Bariatric Physician Dr J Shah. “In just a few months following the Zeltiq Procedure, there is a gradual reduction in the thickness of the fat layer resulting in cosmetic improvement of fat bulges”.

It is thought that the weight loss treatment helps patients to lose around 20 pounds, per procedure.

This new technique of freezing fat could introduce a new generation of weight loss techniques. In the fight against obesity, any form of safe weight loss treatment is a positive. For the meantime, there are already many ways for all of us to attempt to lose weight and slim down for the festive season.