There have been significant developments in non-invasive fat removal with treatments such as CoolSculpting. Here are some Fat Cell FAQs that many of my patients are asking:
What should I know about fat cells?
Fat cells are not just storage bins for excess calories. They are very active cells that produce a variety of substances that influence your body weight, how many calories you eat, and how those calories are used as a source of energy. Health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer, can arise when these cells begin to secrete too much or too little of these substances.
You are born with a set number of fat cells. If you eat more calories than your body needs, your fat cells stretch to store these extra calories as triglycerides. You can gain new fat cells if the existing cells have enlarged to their maximum size. Once created, fat cells remain in your body forever; they may shrink in size when you lose weight, but they never go away — unless they are removed by CoolSculpting (Zeltiq) or liposuction.
Will the fat cells come back after CoolSculpting by Zeltiq?
The affected fat cells cannot come back. However, if you overeat and/or under exercise you can gain weight, and all body areas will share in the weight gain. However, after CoolSculpting (Zeltiq), the treated areas have a decreased capacity for additional fat because fat cells in those areas have been eliminated. As a result, weight gain after CoolSculpting (Zeltiq) is more likely to be visible in areas where more fat cells exist.
What’s the most important thing I should do after treatment?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle- a healthy diet and exercise program.
What happens if I eat more calories than I expend?
Extra calories will be stored mostly as fat regardless of whether the extra calories come from fats, carbohydrates, or proteins.
What does weight loss do?
Weight loss shrinks fat cells and normalizes their secretions, which can reverse or prevent many of the health conditions associated with obesity.
Call Dr. Zimmet’s office in Austin at 512-485-7700 with other questions or to schedule a CoolSculpting consultation.
