Can we finally use some 21st century technology for fat reduction?
We live in a fast-paced world, there’s always something to do and never enough hours to get it all done. And whilst that’s great for anyone living busy, active and fulfilling lives it does make it harder to make time for the gym and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Part of the reason life is so fast is technology. We have access to news, updates and social media 24/7 via our phones, online banking , Facetime, Tinder, UberEats… the list is endless. All technologies designed for our convenience.
But all this technology means we do a lot more sitting. Things now come to us. We ‘app and wait’ as opposed to ‘up and go’. And a lot more sitting means less energy used and more weight gained. Up until now, technology has largely been against us when it comes to our body aesthetics – we can get a lot more done with just a few swipes.
For years science fiction writers have dreamed of out-of-this-world technologies that can enhance all of our bad bits within a few seconds. And whilst that is always like to be a fantasy, technology has started to bridge the gap.
It’s 2018 and finally, there are technology-based non-surgical options when it comes to getting the body shape you want.
Fat freezing
Or, more accurately, cryolipolysis. Cryo – to freeze, lipo – of fat, lysis – to breakdown or remove.
Whilst cryolipolysis may sound like science fiction, it’s actually science fact.
Fat freezing is perfect for those who are generally in good shape but are having trouble with that last, stubborn area of fat they can’t get rid of, or just have an area that, genetically, stores fat disproportionately to other areas of their body.
The beauty of it is that treatment is non-invasive, no needles, no downtime, the entire process is accomplished using suction pads on the targeted area. The fat is sucked up into an applicator head, chilled for 40 mins, then gently massaged after. It’s a painless procedure and you can even sit and read the news while you get the treatment!
The whole process takes about an hour which means you can literally freeze your ass off on your lunch break.
Results are permanent but take approx 8 – 12 weeks. This is due to the metabolic process that happens internally after the treatment. Fat cells targeted by the cooling treatment breakdown and are removed by the body’s lymphatic system.
Fat cavitation
Fat freezing is a great way to get rid of that stubborn fat, but the downside is results can take up to 3 months. What if you’re seeking more immediate results?
Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation is another treatment that sounds like it was lifted from the scripts of Star Trek but it’s actually a new, scientifically proven method for losing 1 – 3cm of fat instantly. Precise low frequency ultrasound waves resonate with fat cells and disrupt their ability to store fat molecules. The fat is released and the effect is immediate – a bit like a fat reducing ray gun that has an immediate effect.
Radio frequency
If there’s one thing certain in life, we’re all getting older. Sadly there’s no scientific method to change that (yet) and with ageing can come looser skin.
Whether it is through a natural reduction of collagen, a change in bodyshape, post pregnancy or sun exposure many people experience skin they may wish was firmer and tighter.
Radio frequency uses, you guessed it, radio waves, which penetrate the skin and tighten it from the inside out, as localized heating causes collagen fibers to contract – and the skin to become firmer.
So, whilst diet and exercise should always be considered as part of your overall health plan, there are now new ways that technology can help – either by targeting specific areas – something that diet can’t do – or by destroying fat cells making diet and exercise more effective.