CoolSculpting vs. Weight Loss: What’s the Difference?
Many individuals looking for solutions to be fitter, feel more confident, and reshape their bodies get to hear two common terms: CoolSculpting and weight loss. Both of these methods can help a person look better, but they work very differently and offer different types of results.
Some people assume that CoolSculpting is a form of weight loss. Others believe that if you lose weight, you will lose fat from a targeted area only. These two ideas can create confusion. This article is designed to clearly explain the primary differences between CoolSculpting and weight loss using simple language to allow you to choose which method is best suited for your personal goals.
The Meaning of Weight Loss
Weight loss refers to the reduction of total weight in your body, which typically refers to fat loss. However, weight loss can also include loss of water weight as well as a small amount of muscle.
There are different locations or areas in your body where fat is lost when you lose weight, such as your face, stomach, arms, legs, and hips.
Your weight loss may have positive health effects and lower your risk of developing problems such as diabetes or some cancers, hypertension, joint pain, and cardiovascular disease.
How You Lose Weight in Your Body
You lose weight when your body is using more energy than you are taking in; this is sometimes referred to as the “calorie deficit” method of losing weight. Your body will then use the stored fat that is in your body to fuel its activities.
Eating healthy foods assists in controlling the amount of calories consumed, while physical activity will increase your body’s metabolic rate and help you build lean muscle. Additionally, adequate rest and stress management are critical components of how your body processes weight loss.
The process of losing weight is slow and steady, requiring consistent effort every day and long-term lifestyle changes to maintain or continue the weight loss results.
The benefits associated with weight loss are numerous, including greater amounts of energy, better quality of sleep, improved ease of movement due to the increased amount of muscle in the body, etc. However, the location of the fat loss cannot be determined by the person, since the location will be determined by the individual’s unique body type and genetics.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive body contouring process that targets localized areas of fat and is not considered to be a method for losing weight. It uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells under the skin, and the frozen fat cells will eventually be eliminated from the body by the body’s own natural processes. This procedure is commonly performed on the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, body, and face, along with other areas that have excess fat deposits.
How CoolSculpting Works
A CoolSculpting session consists of placing a specially designed device against the area you want to treat. The device gently draws in the tissue and uses cold to freeze the fat cells beneath the skin. Fat cells, unlike skin and muscle, are sensitive to cold. Once the fat cells are frozen, they will die off. In the following weeks, the body will gradually eliminate the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system. The area that was treated with CoolSculpting will appear slimmer and have a better contour.
Differences Between Weight Loss and CoolSculpting
The distinction between these two procedures is the effect they have on the body. The primary distinction between weight loss and CoolSculpting is that while weight loss reduces fat throughout the entire body, CoolSculpting reduces fat specifically in one targeted area.
Additionally, while weight loss enhances your physical health overall, CoolSculpting enhances your appearance and body shape only.
While achieving weight loss requires ongoing effort, you can undergo CoolSculpting treatment at multiple sessions with minimal recovery time in between sessions.
Who Should Focus on Weight Loss?
People who are overweight and are concerned about their overall wellness should prioritize weight loss over CoolSculpting. In addition to providing the patient with increased levels of overall wellness, weight loss helps to lower health risks.
If the individual wishes to experience increased energy levels, better cardiovascular health, and more stable joints, weight loss should be given a priority.
CoolSculpting Is A Good Fit For
Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting are individuals that are getting close to their “goal weight.” These individuals often eat well and are physically active but still maintain stubborn pockets of fatty deposits on their bodies.
CoolSculpting is not designed to be an option for weight loss; it is designed to help enhance an individual’s body shape.
Individuals looking for a non-surgical alternative with little to no downtime are often drawn towards CoolSculpting.
Weight Loss combined with CoolSculpting
Many individuals combine weight loss and CoolSculpting in order to create optimal results. Weight loss reduces overall body fat, while CoolSculpting aids in sculpting specific areas.
For instance, an individual may lose weight via a good diet and exercise and then go for CoolSculpting in order to target the stomach or the thighs.
Using both methods creates a more balanced and sculpted appearance for many individuals.
Timeline for Weight Loss and Results
The timeline for results of weight loss is based upon many factors, such as an individual’s current lifestyle and consistency of lifestyle habits. While some individuals may see results in a matter of weeks, others may take several months to notice results.
Typically, healthy weight loss occurs at a rate that is steady or gradual. Rapid weight loss typically is not sustainable and can affect an individual’s overall well-being.
Maintaining long-term healthy habits is vital to ensuring continued weight loss results.
Timeline for CoolSculpting and Results
CoolSculpting does not produce immediate visible results, as fat loss takes a few weeks, with the full effects being visible after approximately 3 months. For best results, many patients will need between 1 and 3 treatments per area of their body.
Since CoolSculpting permanently removes fat cells from your body, if your weight remains stable, your CoolSculpting results can last for many years.
Post-Treatment Maintenance
The key to maintaining your weight loss from CoolSculpting is to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into your life. If you gain weight, you may gain back some of the fat in the areas you have had treated with CoolSculpting. To help you maintain your CoolSculpt results, it’s important to follow a balanced lifestyle.
CoolSculpt Safety and Side Effects
Healthy weight loss through proper nutrition and exercise is typically safe. When an individual does extreme dieting to lose weight, this can result in damage to their metabolism and energy levels.
CoolSculpting is considered safe when performed by trained professionals, but the temporary side effects of CoolSculpting could include redness, swelling, numbness, or mild soreness in the treated area. It is also advisable to consult with your medical provider to determine if CoolSculpting is appropriate for you.
How Clinics Facilitate Choosing the Right Program
A reputable clinic will assess your body composition & health goals to help you understand your lifestyle/historical impacts on the way you appear. After they do these assessments, they can provide you with a more informed view of which lifestyle changes will work best for you (i.e., a weight loss plan, non-surgical shaping procedures, or a combination of both). Also, a reputable clinic can guide you away from making the wrong decision(s) about your potential goals and thus improve the overall results you achieve.
Final Thoughts on CoolSculpting vs. Weight Loss
CoolSculpting and weight loss are not the same. Weight loss changes the whole body and improves health. CoolSculpting reshapes specific areas by reducing stubborn fat.
Both have their place, and many people benefit from using them together. Understanding their roles helps you make a confident and informed choice. To understand the difference, you may connect with experts at Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. We help you look younger, feel great, and feel confident in your body. Our expert-led treatments include advanced weight loss and CoolSculpting solutions.