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Freezing Off Your Fat: Innovative or Dangerous?

Posted on Sep 22nd 2010 1:00PM by Hilary Walke

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss

Fat Getty

The FDA recently approved two new fat-blasting methods, the first time noninvasive, fat-reduction technology has been given the thumbs-up.

Method No. 1
Name: Zeltiq
Procedure: freezes off the patient's fat, which then makes the cell self-destruct. After several months, the patient will notice a difference in their appearance.
Time commitment: two hours per love handle, may be more for tummy bulge.
Wallet damage: $1,500 to $3,000.

Method No. 2
Name: Zerona
Procedure: uses a low-level laser that forces fat cell to empty in weeks.
Time commitment: six treatments of 40-minute procedures.
Wallet damage: $1,800 to $3,000.

From liposuction to gastric bypass, it seems as though America is desperate for fitness-free ways to shed fat. While the two recently approved procedures are apparently targeted to those patients who "just want to take a little bit off," according to plastic surgeon Lawrence Bass, long-term research on effects and efficiency are not available.

The question here is if you just want to shed a few pounds, why not do it the natural way with healthy eating and exercise? We asked our readers if they would try freezing off their fat.

Susan H.
I'd like to see the long term testing on any after affects.

Sabrena C.
I'm with Susan!

Anita B.
Yeah I definitely want to see how people react to weight gain after the procedure. From what I understand, after let's say a love handles treatment, any additional weight gain would go to other areas instead. I think that would look silly and maybe even deformed? Just a thought...

Ave M.
NO. I hear that it is very painful.

Judea P.
‎$3k and it takes months for the fat to disappear? No thanks.

10 Comment

Tags: FDA, gastric bypass, liposuction, weight loss, zeltiq, zerona

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Dev 9-22-2010 @ 1:35PM

So, after several months the fat will disappear? No Thanks! I'd rather spend time on my elliptical machine and get the same results AND a healthier heart too!

Harold 9-23-2010 @ 7:38AM

I take exception to the comment about gastric bypass being a no exercise program. I had gastric bypass one year ago. I have lost 225 lbs and I exercise 5-6 days a week. I do not know of a single Bypass dr. who says you do not need to exercise. Bypass is a tool that will help, but you can gain all the weight back if you do not change your life style. No one should ubdertake this extreme procedure unless they understand that.

You want to lose weight? Change your life style. That is the only permanent solution.

well here is why 9-23-2010 @ 8:38AM

I think what would make people do either of these procedures is the fact that you can exercise and diet till the cows come home and you won't be guaranteed that you will lose it where you want to ie love handles.
I am not over weight by the standards, however I carry my weight in my back, no not my backside by actual back and there is no spot reduction techniques that work. Ive tried em. Diet & exercise I lose everywhere but there. Odd sure make me think about Zerona YOU BET YA

COLEEN 9-23-2010 @ 12:01PM

I tried the Zerona - they say it takes inches off hips, thighs, stomach area, love handles, what they don't tell you is that when they measure you they measure, knees, arms, etc and if you lose there it all counts, DON'T DO IT!!!!

Mary 9-23-2010 @ 12:57PM

Why not just cut back your portions and get out and exercise the normal way. Too many schemes out there trying to rip people off PORTION CONTROL FOLKS AND GET OFF THE SOFA.

Meghan 9-23-2010 @ 1:26PM

The only reason why I would consider this is because fat cells dont go away with diet and exercise they just shrink. They have memory. Which is why regaining is so easy. I say diet, exercise and then give them a blast of freeze so they "self destruct!"

john 9-23-2010 @ 1:39PM

i have tried to lose....eating sensibly and doing some (at least) moderate exersize is still the safest way to lose a 'few' pounds...for the extra large person, gastric bypass has shown to be successful in most cases i've seen....otherwise, stick to frozen yougart

Catman 9-23-2010 @ 1:45PM

I have a better idea. How about stop being a lazy tub of lard and get off the couch instead of watching soaps all day and eating potato chips.

Penelope 9-23-2010 @ 2:13PM

I'm 57 years old, 5'2" tall and weigh 114 lbs. I eat healthy and exercise. I weighed 102# up until age 40. When I turned 50 I was weighing 109#. I now weigh 114# and my fat distribution has changed, some horomonely, some naturally and some hereditary. As you age,fat becomes less dense and starts to sag. Your skin thins which results in less support. These events happen. I believe if technology allows you to retain what's important to you and you can afford it and are willing to take the risk...go for it. Because I take care of myself and heredity, my facial skin is flawless, naturally. My teeth are perfect, because I practice good dental hygeine and heredity, I'm so grateful for the technology of lipstick. I wear lipstick faithfully. Because it brightens my smile and enhances my skin and makes me feel good. Remember beauty comes from within. If the day comes where I look at my waistline, upper arms and inner thighs, I too may decide to try some of that laser or freezing therapy:)

Lila Kulczyk 9-27-2010 @ 11:44AM

I am 68 years old and I had invasive laser lipo in April only because of an estrogen weight gain I have been living with for 15 yrs. I lost as much weight as possible and then did the lipo.They removed 10# from my tummy and then shrunk the skin area from the inside,I am still recovering but I am happy with the results. I am thinking about the love handles next,in the very near future. I am in very good health.It was about a 3hr. process with no additional procedures to finish the job.I woke myself up "snoring" several times during the procedure. Lila