A few weeks ago my internet was out (and consequently Netflix was too) so I was
forced to turn on the local infomercials for background noise. A local Denver business
was promoting “Coolsculpting,” as an alternative to liposuction. Despite my attempt
to ignore the seemingly ridiculous claims about freezing fat, I found myself
wondering how on earth cooling fat could make a person skinnier.
Upon further research I learned that “Coolsculpting” has been FDA
approved since 2010, and the medical
term for this method is called crypolipolysis. Crypolipolysis is based on the
foundation that adipocytes are more susceptible to colder temperatures than
other tissues.
The procedure involves a vacuum like machine sucking up the targeted fat
area and then compressing the fat between two cooling plates for about an hour.
Essentially, the cold triggers apoptosis of the adipocytes. The biggest results
are not seen immediately after treatment, but rather approximately 3 months
later. In the first 3 days after the
treatment, an inflammatory response is mounted in response to the apoptosis of
the adipocytes. From 14- 30 days post treatment, macrophages and other immune
cells digest the dead fat cells, and then 2-3 months after treatment the inflammation
subsides and fat volume is decreased. One study showed that up to 6.7cm could
be lost in circumference and up to 4.5 cm could be lost in the fat layer
thickness.
Cryolipolysis cools the fat to around temperatures of 39 degrees Fahrenheit,
so it does not freeze blood or harm other layers of the skin or internal organs.
This method could be much more preferable for people wanting to get rid of some
excess fat because there is no down time, no anesthesia, and no surgical
procedures. So far the most common side effects in 850,000 people has been
bruising and numbness that goes away within two weeks. One caveat is that there
have not been any studies longer than 5 years looking at long term effects.
Although it may be tempting, I would not recommend trying to achieve the
same results at home by applying some ice packs to extra fat bulges. The
machines used in “Coolsculpting” have mechanisms to prevent freezing the skin. Though
a quick Google search revealed that some places offer the low price of $600
dollars for one treatment area- so if you’re searching for something to ask for
Christmas you could through crypolipolysis on your wish list!
Learn more: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4079633/
I have heard about this through some family members that had talked about it in their wishes to lose body fat! This mechanism is really interesting. I wondered how this could be possible, but I didn't realize that it took that look for the results to be shown. I am wondering why it is that specific time frame? This seems like it would definitely be a better alternative to surgery and other options that might keep you out of work or activities, but I am also wondering how many times you have to freeze the fat or if this is just a one time procedure? Though this may be cheaper than a surgery obviously, if the procedures requires a few treatments this could still be very expensive, plus the lack of long term studies on this would make me nervous not knowing the long term affects! Overall though this could really be a better alternative and does seem to be safer and less strenuous than other options!
ReplyDeleteDanae,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your final recommendation to "not try this at home" I was reminded of a study I read in the last year that shows some promise for those looking for shortcuts in weight-related health who might not have $600 to spare. Of course, this doesn't involve literally trying to freeze your fat away but it involves cold temperatures, brown adipose tissue and energy metabolism.
A study led by Dr. Francesco Celi and Dr. Paul Lee published in "Diabetes" had 5 men with an average age of 21 sleep in various temperature controlled conditions (75, 66, 75, 81 deg F) each for one month and measured their brown adipose tissue (BAT) recruitment, energy balance, and substrate metabolism. They found that after being exposed to the cold condition for a month participants had an increases in BAT and fat metabolic activity. Amazingly, they also found that after the cold exposure participants demonstrated increased insulin sensitivity, and significant changes in expression levels of leptin and adiponectin.
While the participants didn't show changes in body composition, these findings suggest that sleeping in a cold room could significantly impact glucose metabolism and has implications in diabetes prevention. Pretty amazing
Michael, that is super interesting! I might be turning my thermostat way down this winter.
DeleteP.S. Here's the link to the paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24954193
ReplyDelete