Why am I gaining weight after CoolSculpting when I'm healthy and exercising more?

Question

I've done CoolSculpt on four areas, twice. I've increased my exercise, have meals delivered from a special place, and Ihad two physicals in the last yr. I weigh myself every AM and my fat percentage has increased and weight increased. Yes, visually it looks like I've smooth out in the areas I've treated but areas I didn't treat like my arms and buttocks are getting bigger and my pants don't fit. What are the unintended consequences that CoolSculpt marketing isn't sharing?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please see your doctor as the weight gain is not likely related to coolsculpting. Coolsculpting eliminates fat cells by 20-25% in the treated area. Fat is not redistributed but the remaining fat cells will still increase in size as you gain weight. This will explain why you are seeing your arms and buttocks getting bigger. Regards,

William Groff, DO · Answer

It sounds like, despite your best efforts, you are taking in more calories than you can burn. It is highly unlikely that this has anything to do with your CoolSculpting treatment. CoolSculpting won't cause weight gain, but it also can't prevent it. If you take in too many calories, you will gain weight. If you gain enough, even the fat cells in the treated areas will swell to accommodate the extra fat.You may need to meet with a nutritionist and/or an endocrinologist to have your diet evaluated and rule out any hormonal imbalances. Be sure to check back with your board-certified dermatologist if you have any more questions about your CoolSculpting results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting won't make you gain weight, however I recommend following up with a Doctor for a formal evaluation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting
destroys about 25% of fat in a treated
area. It is very unlikely that Coolsculpting it causing you to gain weight. I
recommend having a consult with a nutritionist to assess your diet
and have blood tests to make sure that you don't have any underlying issues.
Best of Luck!

Karen Beasley, MD · Answer

The only unintended consequence of CoolSculpting that I know of is that some patients may begin to consume more calories than normal, thinking that it will not affect their beautiful new figures. But it will. That's why I'm very careful to select candidates for CoolSculpting and other permanent body-contouring treatments. The ideal patient is one who has been adhering to a healthy exercise regimen and diet for some time, but just has a few areas of stubborn fat they'd like to remove. To keep your new figure (or to re-acquire it, in this case), you may need to find a trainer or nutritionist to help you design a satisfying diet that has only enough calories that you can easily burn in a day.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

Your question is a good one.  CoolSculpt works by removing fat - ONLY in the treated area.  It is meant to target specific pockets of fat.  It is not a weight loss method.  It works beautifully alone.  It works even better with diet and exercise.  The CoolSculpt is very unlikely responsible for your weight gain.

Weight gain is a complicated medical issue.  It sounds like you are already thinking about important variables such as diet and exercise.  You may have an underlying medical condition such as a thyroid disorder, so you should be sure your doctor has tested for this.  You may also need to pay attention to your diet.  The MyFitnessPal app is a great way to carefully monitor your calorie intake.  A registered dietician may also be able to evaluate your calorie intake and nutritional needs.  A meal program is helpful but may not be the right fit for you.  Finally, there are physical therapists who specialize in weight loss.  This may be a helpful resource also.

Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Coolsculpting
destroys about 25% of fat in a treated
area. It is very unlikely that Coolsculpting it causing you to gain weight. I
recommend having a consult with a nutritionist to assess your diet
and have blood tests to make sure that you don't have any underlying issues.
Best of Luck!

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is not the culprit. Killing some fat cells somewhere doen't send messages to other fat cells to grow to compensate. Exercise doesn't control your weight.....your intake does.  Simply put, you are taking in too many calories for your frame.  To get structure around your diet, read the book Enter the Zone.  Calculate your appropriate intake and only choose foods from the "best" (most favorable) list for the first 2 weeks and don't cheat at all. The company that is sending you your food may be making delicious meals but the portion size and types of food, while mostly healthy, may not be appropriate for you. You need to get more information and then you will have better control, if you put your new knowledge into practice.Alternatively, for a rapid loss of storage fat, find a doctor near you who supervises the hCG Diet (this will cost you a little cash).  Afterwards, in phase 4, transition to the Zone Diet when you have achieved the desired amount of storage fat loss. (If you stay on the hCG diet carefully and don't cheat, you can lose 15 # in 3 weeks or 25# in 6 weeks.  It does involve taking a daily :"shot" of medication to release storage fat into your system for energy.)

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

You must look into other sources of gaining weight. One of the common problems for this is low thyroid. I would ask your primary care giver to see what is causing this. Make sure your diet is right and you are exercising.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting destroys about 25% of the fat that was treated.  It is unlikely that coolsculpting is contributing to your weight gain.  If your diet is nutrionally sound and your exercise is as described you should consult your physician.  Something else may be contributing to these symptoms.

Why am I gaining weight after CoolSculpting when I'm healthy and exercising more?

Answers (11)

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