Abdomen
More fat cells reside around the stomach than in other parts of the body, making it particularly susceptible to weight gain. Stomach fat cells are also less receptive to breaking down than other types of fat cells, which is why fat seems to linger longer in this area even after achieving positive results in other parts of the body.
A person’s diet plays a large role in fat deposits forming in this area. Processed foods with high fat, sugar and carbohydrate contents all increase the likelihood of developing fat around the midsection. Excess belly fat suggests that the body may be having difficulty handling insulin.
Thighs
For women, the main reason for weight gain in the thighs is estrogen. Around the age of puberty, an increase in the female hormone level also leads to an increase of fat cells around the thighs — and the buttocks as well. By the time the body slows its production of estrogen around menopause, the weight does not necessarily come off easily since the body’s natural metabolism also slows, making weight loss more difficult.
Upper Arms
Fat is also likely to accumulate on the upper arms. In many circumstances, the blame lies with a lack of testosterone. Since testosterone can push fat cells to release excess fat into the blood stream, women are at an automatic disadvantage due to their naturally low levels of testosterone. Some men have or develop lower levels of testosterone, which leads to excess arm fat. When testosterone is the culprit, diet and exercise will be less effective at targeting arm fat.
What You Can Do
If you have been unable to shed the fat around your stomach, thighs, upper arms or elsewhere, cosmetic procedures may be the best way to overcome the biological limitations and achieve the body you have worked hard for. Liposuction is the most effective method. This popular surgery suctions out unwanted fat cells, and the results are permanent so long as the patient maintains a steady weight.
You may also be interested in a non-surgical alternative that can also target pockets of fat: CoolSculpting. Although the results from CoolSculpting are not as dramatic as those achieved via liposuction, it does freeze (and eliminate) up to 25% of fat cells in a treated area, and the recovery period shorter.
To speak to Dr. Coscia about the best ways to target lingering fat deposits, please schedule a consultation by calling 916-773-5559 (Granite Bay) or 916-929-1833 (Sacramento) at your earliest convenience.
