A new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that liposuction patients who didn’t exercise after their surgery saw an increase in visceral fat. Visceral fat is “belly fat” or fat around our organs. High levels of visceral fat increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
The study was conducted in Brazil and aimed at researching the effects of fat production after liposuction surgery. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo conducted a study that followed 36 woman after liposuction. Half the woman participated in a supervised exercise program three times per week, the active group. The other half, the sedentary group, didn’t exercise but followed a similar diet as the active group.
Six months after the liposuction procedure neither group regained fat in the area where lipo was performed. The sedentary group saw a 10 percent increase in visceral fat. The active group had no increase in visceral or subcutaneous fat which was attributed to regular participation in both cardio and strength training exercises.
Liposuction procedures target subcutaneous fat cells, the fat between the muscles and skin. Lipo removes the fat cells permanently causing other areas to compensate by producing more fat cells. A study at the University of Colorado found that fat redistributed in the upper abdomen and triceps one year after lipo was preformed on the lower tummy and thighs.
Both studies confirm that liposuction procedures are not a cure for obesity or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise are necessary to maintain a healthy weight and get longterm benefits of lipo.
The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is active but has a problem area that is resistant to change with diet and exercise. Common problem areas are lower abdomen, upper arms, thighs, chin, and love handles.
If a person has more drastic expectations a tummy tuck along with liposuction is a solution. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal wall. Many people get a tummy tuck with liposuction after child birth or after extreme weight loss. There are no published reports that site increased fat cell production after a tummy tuck.
Whether you are considering tumescent lipo, a tummy tuck or any other body contouring procedure it is best to maintain a healthy weight for 6 months before your surgery and be committed to a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction patients that have realistic expectations are more likely to be satisfied with the end results.