Freezing Body Fat to Lose it

A. Foley on 9 Sep 2010 at 3:07pm

Back in 1979 a study was published called Fat Loss in the Cold, which examined a phenomenon where soldiers exposed to freezing temperatures in the Arctic experienced significant body fat loss.

Now, more than 30 years later, there's an FDA-approved fat reduction device called CoolSculpting that is founded on the same principle. Freezing fat, or dramatically cooling it, will shed it.

Scientists believe our fat cells are more susceptible to extreme cold. Using cold to target fat, like love handles or stomach rolls, is a process known as Cryolipolysis (or, cold lipolysis). Simply put, "cold kills fat," says Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jason Pozner, an early field investigator of CoolScultping.

The CoolSculpting device is operated at a doctor's office, but is non-invasive and has no downtime. During a treatment an applicator pinches your fat, then delivers precisely controlled cooling to the treatment area. Procedures last about one to two hours.

CoolSculpting currently has an 80% Worth It rating based on community members posting on RealSelf.