Using Liposuction Fat for Biodiesel?

The fat harvested from liposuction is considered biowaste. I would be very cautious before doing anything but discarding it. While in theory it sounds like a great idea to use it as a biofuel, it is not very practical. David Shafer, MD

All human tissue is regarded as biological waste, and regulations require that it be disposed of according to strict guidelines. You just aren't going to see it used for any purpose.

It would be poetic for a portion of our energy product to be solved by excess human fat.  Unfortunately, we're not really that fat and regulations from the EPA would make the process impossible.

The use of human fat for biofuel is not ethical or practical.  Medical waste has rigid disposal guidelines and the amount of energy released from human fat would not be cost effective at all for the use as biofuel.

Although it is a fascinating idea, I know of no way to extract the fat or the amount of potential energy within the fat from the tissue that is removed after liposuction. This sounds like an interesting idea but one that would ultimately be of very limited value  

We measure and then dispose of the fat collected from our liposuction procedures. It is medical waste, and the State of Washington demands is proper disposal. The fried chicken places in town generate far more grease per day than we do. As our nation searches for alternatives to foreign oil, perhaps BP should talk with Ezzel's Chicken here in town.

REGARDING "Do you think fat harvested from patients should be used in bio diesel?  Is this ethical or safe?" The original story was the strange brainchild of an overly self-promoted 90210 cosmetic surgeon who subsequently lost his medical license. Does not say much about any one of us if we have to stoop this low to promote our practices. It is NOT ethical to use human fat or remains to derive energy for every day activities. Animal fat has been used as lamp oil for... more

Probably the only ethical (and only slightly less-practical) way to power a car using human fat would be to develop a car that runs strictly on human power. Although this would only indirectly transfer the stored fat energy into MPG, it would most likely be a safer and healthier alternative fuel than aspirated human fat. Come to think of it, I don't believe I've seen many obese pedi-cab (cycle rickshaw) drivers...

This article is not to be taken seriously.  Oviously it is just for fun.  However, in the era of information technology, this will be talked about because it is kind of funny and silly.  So now I will be ready when my patients ask me if they can donate their fat for biofuel.  Thanks for the...

Technically any biological waste can be used for biodiesel. I don't think you could get enough to run a bus if you added up all the fat, from all the plastic surgeons in the USA. From an ethics standpoint, It depends which party you are from to decide if it is proper or not.

I think that is a bit far fetched.  Sounds like the movie "Fight Club" where they took the liposuction fat from patients and sold it bcak to them as perfumed soap.