Stubborn Fat in Specific Body Areas: What Can You Do About Them?

One annoying thing about weight loss is the fact that we store fat in areas that are so hard to get rid of. Fat bulges tend to accumulate around the stomach, hips, and thighs, and can’t seem to go despite more hours in the gym. It is also easier to gain weight as you get older due to age-related muscle loss.

Body Fat Storage and Your Hormones

The hormones leptin and insulin, sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), and growth hormones play a big role on how the body stores fat. They affect not just body fat distribution, but also appetite and metabolism. Very high and low levels of such hormones can result in weight gain and body fat accumulation.

Changes in the levels of sex hormones due to age, for instance, can affect both fat storage and body shape. Women of childbearing age tend to pack more fat in the lower body, resulting in a pear shape. Postmenopausal women and older men, meanwhile, tend to have more fat in the abdominal area, contributing to an apple shape.

Stubborn Fat Areas

Belly and Hips

Poor diet choices are one main culprit of extra fat in the abdomen and hips. This is especially true for diets high in fat, sugar, carbs, and processed foods. Aging or the menopausal period (low levels of estrogen) also redistributes the fat to your abdominal area, leading to love handles or muffin top. 

Double Chin

Excess fat in the body can contribute to the appearance of double chin, as well as having a family history of double chins or little skin elasticity. Aging also plays a part, because our body loses elasticity with age, resulting in the appearance of saggy skin in the chin area or the lower face.

Upper Arms

Apart from excess body fat, flabby arms can also be a result of the natural aging process. As the skin loses connective tissues and elasticity with age, having a saggier appearance in the upper arms is much likely. Body fat also tends to increase as you grow older, aggravating the problem.

Inner Thighs and Buttocks

Again, a diet filled with refined carbs and processed foods can lead to stubborn fat. Also, age and hormones can cause fat to settle around the lower body, making it hard for you to lose fat, regardless of your extra workout sessions. The right routines (lunges, bridges, and deep squats), however, can help tone the thighs and lift your buttocks.

Non-Invasive Fat Reduction

When dealing with these stubborn fat areas, you can continue with your weight loss efforts and consider nonsurgical fat reduction procedures. At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have non-invasive treatments that target and kill fat cells.

• Vanquish ME – This contactless fat reduction procedure uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to melt and eliminate fat cells. Exposure to heat triggers apoptosis or natural cell death, sculpting and contouring the body without surgery. It is ideal for losing inches off your arms, waist, abdomen, flanks, and thighs. 

According to clinical studies, Vanquish ME is proven safe and effective. Do take note that results vary from patient to patient and some may see changes in as early as four to six weeks. Significant and optimal results, however, can be seen after four to eight weekly treatments. 

• Cryolipolysis – This non-invasive body contouring treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze and kill fat cells. Cold temperatures specifically target fat cells without harming the skin and other tissues. Here at Cutis Laser Clinics, we have two devices that use Cryolipolysis: CoolSculpting and Z Lipo.

Both CoolSculpting and Z Lipo are ideal for targeting fat bulges in the chin, arms, belly, and thighs, as well as smaller areas like bra and knee fat. There is at least a 60- to 90-day window for the lymphatic system to break down and naturally remove the fat cells from the body. 

Don’t let these stubborn fat bulges keep you from feeling good about yourself. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation and body assessment with our aesthetic doctor to find out if you’re a good candidate for these treatments.