A Brief Introduction to Obesity, Weight Loss, and Localized Slimming
In this article, I wanted to make a brief introduction to a vast topic that could fill countless books. However, I aim for it to be a comprehensive summary that is simple enough for an average educated person to understand and extract notes from, enabling them to discuss further with their doctor and dietitian.
Obesity, in its simplest definition, is an excess of body fat. Being overweight is not the same as being obese. A muscular athlete may be classified as overweight, but they might have a low percentage of body fat. A body fat mass exceeding 30% in women and 25% in men can roughly be considered obesity.
To lose weight and overcome obesity, one must adopt an active lifestyle while also learning to eat correctly and healthily. The collaboration of a doctor and dietitian in planning personalized support based on the individual's lifestyle is crucial for achieving sustainable and healthy weight loss.
Obesity should be viewed not merely as a "overeating disease," but rather as a dysfunction of the body's weight control mechanisms. It involves becoming desensitized to internal signals such as hunger and satiety, while being constantly triggered by external stimuli like sight, smell, and taste, leading to ongoing eating urges, even when not hungry or already satiated. Fighting obesity is akin to battling a disease, necessitating permanent weight loss.
IN SHORT…
- The four key elements of a successful weight loss program are healthy eating, sufficient exercise, a positive mental attitude, and properly supporting the body.
- Most of us are overweight due to excessive consumption of fats and sugars and inadequate physical activity.
- Devices and applications connected to the internet, such as gaming consoles, social media apps, and streaming services, increase sedentary lifestyles, trigger weight gain, and rob us of the effort and time needed to lose weight. We must limit our habits!
- Physiological causes of obesity include serotonin levels in the brain and gut, slow basal metabolic rate, issues with the sympathetic nervous system, fat cell metabolism, and reduced sensitivity to insulin.
- When used in the correct dosages under medical supervision, 5-HTP and herbal stimulants like ephedrine and caffeine, as well as supplements containing these stimulants, can affect the sympathetic nervous system, increasing basal metabolic rate and diet-induced thermogenesis, potentially triggering weight loss.
- Fiber supplements not only improve blood sugar control and insulin effects but also reduce the calories absorbed by the body.
- One of the main goals of enhancing weight loss should be to increase the sensitivity of body cells to insulin.
- Chromium and magnesium may help increase insulin sensitivity, leading to an increase in lean body mass while facilitating weight loss.
- Clinical studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 may assist in weight loss.
- Medium-chain fatty acids can promote weight loss by increasing thermogenesis.
- Hydroxycitric acid has been identified as a potent suppressor of fat production in mammals and may provide benefits as a phytotherapeutic supplement.
- The use of glutathione plays an active role in eliminating the effects of toxins released from fat during weight loss and combats the reduction of the body’s basal metabolic rate. It has also been shown to be significant in the continuity of thermogenesis by affecting energy metabolism.
In today’s urban life, people are not just concerned with losing weight. They desire to appear younger than their age within their social circles, to have a healthy, fit, aesthetic, and attractive body. Simply losing weight is not enough; there must be a noticeable reduction in areas like the waist, hips, thighs, under the chin, arms, and abdomen. To achieve desired results more quickly and tackle stubborn localized fat, realistic solutions may include localized slimming procedures and treatments. There are various techniques available, both surgical and non-surgical.
Liposuction
Also known as fat removal, it is a surgical intervention with potential complications. The liposuction method, used for individuals with excessive weight and localized slimming, can be painful and has a lengthy recovery period.
Cool Lipolysis
In this procedure, the area’s fat is held with a special device with vacuum heads and cooled to -10 degrees in a controlled manner. The fats crystallize and break down easily when frozen. When the right device is chosen, only the fats are targeted without damaging the skin or other tissues, allowing the treated area to tighten and firm.
Radiofrequency Applications
This non-surgical method uses radio waves to target the area. It activates water molecules and ions, thereby increasing heat. As the temperature rises, fats begin to melt, which can then be excreted through sweat, urine, or respiration. This method aims for a thermogenic effect and can provide tightening, firming, and cellular renewal.
Laser Treatment for Slimming
In laser slimming, millimetric incisions are made on the skin in the area. Laser beams are sent through these incisions using a cannula, which facilitates the breakdown of fats. The fragmented fat molecules are naturally eliminated from the body. Additionally, laser applications can achieve skin tightening and firming.
Satin Body Tightening
Using both radiofrequency and ultrasound, fats in the area are broken down, leading to localized slimming.
Electromagnetic Shaping Devices
Among the most successful devices in technology, EMS devices stimulate muscle contractions in the body. Waves sent to the body through special heads trigger muscle contractions. The contracting muscles create an energy demand, which is met by the fats surrounding the muscles, resulting in fat burning. The foundation of fat burning is established through a very high rate of muscle contraction in a short time during the application. No pain or discomfort is felt during this treatment, and results can be seen even after a year.
Localized slimming methods generally provide tightening and firming along with localized reduction. Applications like G5 massage are also used for treating cellulite, which creates an aesthetically unpleasing appearance on the legs, yielding successful results.
These applications are risk-free. However, in cases of pregnancy, heart disease, or chronic illnesses, it is essential to adhere to medical advice. Moreover, having treatments conducted under the supervision of qualified professionals in health centers is crucial for safety and health.
