I think we can all agree, that most of us are guilty of standing in front of the mirror, scrutinising those little pockets of stubborn fat. Especially those that just refuse to budge! No matter how many workouts or diets we try. Naturally, if those love handles are feeling a little too loving or that tummy pooch refuses to go away, modern aesthetics can help!
If we had to be honest, fat removal is always a hot topic. So, grab your favourite pen and notebook, and sit back as we have a quick look at the world of fat reduction with a sassy guide to slimming down without sacrificing the fun.
Why does fat hang on for dear life?
Before we have a look at how to get rid of stubborn fat the modern way, let us quickly chat about why it is so stubborn in the first place!
Of course, fat (in moderation) is important, despite the way we feel about it. In caveman days, body fat was essential for keeping us alive when food was scarce, as it is a fabulous source of energy, and even helps with temperature regulation.
Fast forward to today, where food is in abundance more often than not (hello, Friday night pizza!), our bodies are still stuck in that ancient habit of holding on to fat for dear life.
And yes, lifestyle plays a major role, but did you know that your hormones, and even your genetics, play a role too? For many women, areas like the thighs, hips, and abdomen are particularly resistant to weight loss, thanks to oestrogen. And then there is stress (ugh, what we would not give for a life without it), which boosts cortisol levels (a hormone that affects many functions in the body), leading to even more fat storage!
So, the bottomline is, do not be too hard on yourself, our bodies are complex. Fat reduction is not always as simple as “eat less, move more.” We promise.
A wild ride through history, looking at fat through the ages
Fat has gone from loved, to not loved, to loved, back to not loved throughout the millennia. In fact, in societies where food was scarce, a fuller figure signified abundance. Makes complete sense, right? For example, in Ancient Egypt, curvier physiques were associated with high social standing.
However, coming full circle to being loved or not loved, in Ancient Greece, the definition of beauty shifted more towards being fit rather than voluptuous, per se.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages (5th – 15th centuries), particularly in Europe, body fat once again became synonymous with wealth. And the early 20th century rolled in, when a slimmer silhouette once again became loved.
Continuing from the 1960s onwards, thinness really took centre stage as the dominant standard of beauty in most Western cultures. Brace yourself though, because there is a curveball incoming, as we stepped into the 21st century, the narrative began to shift again. Beauty standards have now become more diverse and inclusive, celebrating a wide array of body types. But you would not believe, still, many individuals, women and men alike, aspire to a more sculpted look.
One thing is certain, beauty is undeniably subjective. 350BC or 2024, in the UK a slimmer physique may be favoured, but on the small South Pacific island of Tonga, beauty is defined by larger physiques. Jumping on a plane ride to Mauritania in northern Africa, female obesity is associated with both beauty and wealth! Beauty is not a one-size-fits-all, pun always intended.
Weird weight loss trends from the past
Fat removal techniques have experienced a fascinating evolution throughout history. We would recommend grabbing your popcorn because it is truly fascinating!
In Ancient Egypt, beauty ideals revolved around body sculpting with natural herbs and poultices. Whereas, in the Middle Ages, some entertained the notion that reducing blood volume could lead to weight loss! Naturally, it was a risky endeavour that certainly should have come with a health warning, right?
Then came the 1930s and the introduction of the then-popular grapefruit diet, where people were convinced that simply munching on grapefruit or sipping its juice with every meal would magically melt away fat.
But the best (and probably most bizarre) one yet, has to be the tapeworms weight-loss strategy. Believe it or not, some adventurous individuals thought these parasites would do the hard work of eating for them.
Fat removal in the modern era
Today’s approach to fat removal is way more convenient. One of the most popular ways to sculpt your silhouette and tone your muscles is through T-Shape 2/B-Force fat removal treatments. This innovative approach combines laser, radiofrequency, and vacuum therapy in one session. The T-Shape 2 focuses specifically on redefining your silhouette, reducing stubborn fat pockets, and tightening your skin. The B-Force treatment, however, emphasises sculpting your body, strengthening muscles, and improving muscle tone.
If you are looking for a treatment that targets fat in specific areas, Mesotherapy might just be the perfect solution for you! This treatment works by injecting a special blend of vitamins, enzymes, and plant extracts directly into those tricky spots where excess fat tends to linger, such as love handles, saddlebags, and even double chins. Once the fat cells are broken down, your body’s natural processes gradually eliminate them.
But that is not all. Mesotherapy offers more than just fat reduction. Believe it! It also enhances the overall texture and appearance of your skin, making it firmer, smoother, and more toned!
CoolSculpting is another very popular fat removal treatment that freezes and destroys unwanted fat cells. Once the fat cells are frozen, they break down and are naturally eliminated by your body, helping to sculpt and contour the areas where stubborn fat persists.
Not to mention, fat-dissolving injections like Aqualyx and Lemon Bottle have also become stars in the world of targeted fat reduction! These injections are designed to break down fat cells with specialised compounds. The active ingredients in Aqualyx and Lemon Bottle are injected directly into stubborn fat deposits, causing the fat cells to disintegrate and dissolve. Over the next few weeks, your body’s lymphatic system naturally flushes out the broken-down fat, which is quite exciting.
Debunking common fat removal myths
Myth #1: Fat reduction is the same as weight loss.
Nope. Not necessarily. You see, fat removal targets specific areas to dissolve stubborn fat pockets and improve your overall body contour. It is not intended to take you from a size XL to a size XS.
Myth #2: Once you have had a fat reduction treatment, the fat is gone forever.
Yes and no. While fat cells are permanently destroyed during treatment, gaining weight afterward can still cause the remaining fat cells to expand. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential.
Myth #3: Fat reduction is a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Sorry, but no. These treatments can enhance your results, but they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Think of fat reduction as the cherry on top of a healthy lifestyle, not the whole sundae.
Final thoughts: Your body, your rules
At the end of the day, fat reduction is a personal decision. Whether you are scheduling an aesthetic fat-reduction treatment session, trying out a new fitness routine, or simply embracing self-love every time you look in the mirror, remember this: your body is one of a kind, and you have the right to make choices that make you feel amazing. Fat reduction is not about fitting into anyone else’s idea of beauty; it is about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. So go ahead and celebrate your body at every step of the journey, because you are fabulous!
