What is it?
Adipose cells, also called adipocytes, form in the body of the fetus. They continue to multiply during childhood and reach a plateau towards the end of adolescence. In adulthood, they stabilize, and the body of an average individual will contain 20 to 25 million adipocytes.
The cells that compose the adipose tissue are responsible for the synthesis, storage and release of fat in the blood according to the energy needs of the body. Therefore, they play an essential role in bringing the necessary energy to body tissues and organs.
However, when fat intake exceeds energy requirements, fat cells grow, and they can reach up to ten times bigger than their original size. “Love handles” then form on the body, primarily on the hips, thighs and buttocks of women and on the abdomen and back of men.
Did you know?
An average woman’s body fat percentage is 20 to 25%, versus a 10-15% average in men! Therefore, women are genetically more susceptible to being overweight.
What are the causes?
Weight gain explained the most Often by de poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity.
Other factors may also be involved:
Heredity
Parental obesity is a risk factor for obesity. Studies show that that a person which has obese parents a 70 % chance of becoming in turn.
Hormones
Some hormones act on body metabolism, appetite and digestion. Hormonal changes caused by puberty, pregnancy or menopause can affect the body’s ability to regulate weight. In addition, various hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism can cause weight gain, while stress and lack of sleep create hormonal imbalances that can lead to increased appetite.
Age
Any aging individual loses its lean, muscular and sometimes even bone mass, which causes a decrease in basic metabolism. The daily energy expenditure is thus reduced, while the same diet is often maintained. A weight loss is then more difficult.
Balance
To avoid accumulating and enlarging fat deposits, the objective is to balance energy inputs and physical outputs. A healthy diet, adapted to the lifestyle, coupled with a regular practice of physical activities will maintain a harmonious silhouette. It is recommended to have proper rest, to drink plenty of water, to avoid high calorie alcoholic beverages and to avoid stressful situations.
How to treat?
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a world-renowned medical technology that lets you permanently destroy localized fat, making it easier than ever to define body contours and refine and sculpt your silhouette without surgery or downtime. During treatment, controlled cooling causes adipocytes to crystallize, break down and get gradually eliminated through natural body processes. The CoolSculpting procedure targets stubborn fat in specific areas such as the abdomen, flank, upper arm, inner thigh, outer thigh, as well as back, chest and double chin.
This treatment is a non-invasive alternative to liposuction and can reduce up to 28% of fat cells on the treated area, in a single session!