Freezing Away Fat is Not Science Fiction

How much of "the burn" do you really like to feel? It can take a long time to establish an exercise routine that feels enjoyable, and some might not feel like they have the time or the desire to spend that time in such a way. The introduction of the Zeltiq device to the American market has offered yet another avenue for weight loss.

Zeltiq has already been on the market globally, but the Food and Drug Administration has just recently approved this method in the United States. This procedure is described as a noninvasive procedure for weight loss due to the lack of any need for an incision. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours, and each treatment is said to reduce fat in the targeted area by about 20 percent. Without harming the skin, the device targets the fat cells under the skin and freezes them. The freezing causes the fat cells to die, and the dead fat cells are eliminated by the body. (Modern Medicine)

What can be expected from a treatment that freezes fat cells under the skin? Previous patients claim to experience an intensely cold feeling, as one would intuitively expect. However, patient reports insist that this discomfort is only temporary, and many of the patients receiving treatment are capable of activities such reading while the procedure is being performed. Results of the treatment are not apparent until roughly three weeks after the treatment because the cells need to die and be eliminated before any reduction occurs. More noticeable results may occur a few months after the procedure. Unlike invasive procedures, the patient can return to his or her normal activities immediately. Some temporary side effects such as redness and strange sensations may occur, but these are said to be temporary. (CoolSculpting)

Zeltiq is one of many emerging and evolving techniques for weight loss in the United States. Obesity continues to become more and more of a health issue as the percentage of Americans who are obese rises. Zerona, described as a "fat blasting laser," destroys the fat cells via puncturing, and the cells are eliminated. Zerona was also recently approved by the FDA. On the other hand, many new diet drugs, which would seem more typical than either freezing or puncturing, were not approved this year. (Examiner)

Reports for the cost range from $700 to $3,000, so this is not a procedure to choose lightly. Additionally, most doctors still recommend exercise and diet first and foremost. One huge concern that is even addressed on the Cool Sculpting (the name of the Zeltiq procedure) web site is that the fat reduction cannot be expected to remain if the patient receiving the treatment continues to live a non-active lifestyle and use little self-control when it comes to diet choices. So, the idea that freezing the fat away is an alternative to exercise and diet is really not an option if the patient in question refuses to have a healthy lifestyle. Also, this is still a relatively new procedure, and research surrounding the long-term benefits and side effects is still somewhat up in the air. That is not to say that the procedure is "bad," but a patient should always be fully aware of the potential risks and benefits of a procedure. (Digtriad)

Will this new procedure make a difference in the impact of new obesity statistics? It is impossible to tell, but it is certain that Americans will have an ever-broadening selection of options for weight loss.

Sources:

CoolSculpting.

Digtriad. "FDA approves method to "freeze off fat."

Examiner- Newark. "FDA approves fat freezing procedure."

Modern Medicine. "FDA OKs Zeltiq device for treatment of fatty areas."