Can You Freeze Off Fat? Cryotherapy for Weight Loss

Cryotherapy, the use of extremely low temperatures for therapeutic purposes, has gained popularity in recent years not just for recovery and pain management but also as a potential aid in fat reduction. Among its various applications, one of the most buzzed-about uses of cryotherapy is for fat reduction, especially via procedures like CoolSculpting. With treatments like CoolSculpting making their way into mainstream medical and cosmetic clinics, many people are turning to cold therapy as a way to improve their health and appearance.

Understanding Body Fat: The Target of Cryotherapy

Before diving into cryotherapy, it's essential to understand what kind of fat we're talking about. The body contains two major types of fat:

• Subcutaneous fat – This is the fat located just under the skin, often visible around the waist, thighs, and arms.

• Visceral fat – This fat surrounds vital organs and is linked to increased risks of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Cryotherapy treatments, especially cryolipolysis, target subcutaneous fat, not visceral fat. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing this fat, which is why it tends to linger despite diet and exercise efforts.⁽¹⁾

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short time. There are two main types:

• Whole-body cryotherapy: The person stands in a chamber filled with dry, cold air. The aim is to trigger a systemic response such as increased metabolism, improved circulation, and skin tightening.

• Localized cryotherapy: Often known by the brand name CoolSculpting, this treatment focuses on specific areas of the body to freeze and destroy fat cells. It's not a weight loss method but a body contouring tool for individuals close to their ideal weight who want to reduce stubborn fat deposits.

How Does Whole-Body Cryotherapy Work?

It involves standing in a tube-like chamber called a cryosauna. It consists of a 2 to 3 minute exposure of a part or the whole body to extremely cold (−110° to −140°) and dry air. Once you step out of the chamber, you re-enter room temperature, get dressed, and resume your daily activities. There's no downtime involved, and the effect of extreme cold temperature exposure takes over the next several hours.⁽²⁾

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure approved by the FDA in 2010. It works by using a device with two paddles that suction and cool a specific area of the body. The temperature is reduced enough to crystallize fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. Over the following weeks, the body’s immune system clears out the damaged fat cells through natural processes. Typically, each session takes between 35 and 75 minutes; final results may take two to three months to show, with a reduction of up to 25% in fat in the treated area per session.⁽³⁾

In this post on his Instagram, Dr. Santhosh Jacob, MBBS, DNB, MCh Ortho, DABRM (USA), explains how Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) works:

The Science Behind the Cold

Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells. When exposed to very low temperatures, the fat cells become damaged and die off in a process known as apoptosis. The body then naturally processes and removes the dead cells through its lymphatic system.

Aside from targeting fat, cryotherapy can also influence the body’s metabolic and hormonal systems.

• Increased calorie burn: When exposed to extreme cold, the body uses more energy to maintain its core temperature. Some reports suggest that a single whole-body cryotherapy session can burn 500 to 800 calories.

• Enhanced metabolic rate: Regular cryotherapy sessions may help raise the resting metabolic rate, making it easier to burn calories throughout the day.

• Hormonal impact: Cold exposure can stimulate the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps burn fat and regulate metabolism. It can also boost adiponectin, a hormone involved in glucose regulation and fatty acid breakdown.

Other Benefits of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy isn’t just about fat reduction. Many people use it for a variety of health and wellness benefits:

Pain relief and muscle recovery: Athletes commonly use cryotherapy to recover from intense training. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain receptors, which helps with soreness and injury recovery.

Reduced inflammation: By constricting blood vessels and reducing the release of inflammatory molecules, cryotherapy can be beneficial for those with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Mental health support: Exposure to cold has been linked to the release of endorphins and other mood-enhancing chemicals. Some early research suggests cryotherapy may have a positive impact on anxiety and depression symptoms.

Improved skin health: Increased blood circulation and oxygenation after a session can result in clearer, more radiant skin. Cold exposure may also stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce signs of aging.

Risks and Limitations

Despite its benefits, cryotherapy is not without risks and limitations:

Frostbite and burns: Improper use or lack of protective gear during whole-body sessions can lead to frostbite. Localized sessions may cause skin burns.

Nerve damage: Excessive or improperly administered localized cryotherapy can result in numbness or even long-term nerve issues.

Not for everyone: People with conditions such as Raynaud’s disease, cold allergies, severe hypertension, and cardiovascular problems should avoid cryotherapy. Pregnant individuals are also advised against it.

Temporary results: Cryotherapy may require ongoing sessions to maintain benefits. It should not replace a healthy diet or exercise regimen.

Is Cryotherapy Right for You?

Cryotherapy can be a helpful supplement for those struggling with stubborn fat despite healthy habits. It is generally safe when performed by trained professionals. However, individual responses vary, and a medical consultation is essential before starting any treatment. It offers benefits like fat reduction, recovery support, and improved wellness. However, it is not a miracle cure and should be part of a broader health strategy. With growing research backing its effectiveness, cryotherapy appeals to athletes, individuals with inflammation, and anyone seeking body contouring. As a non-invasive option, it provides a refreshing approach to enhancing physical health and wellness goals.

But remember, while it may be cool in concept and in practice, it should be approached with careful consideration and proper medical guidance. Like any treatment, the best results come from consistency, healthy lifestyle choices, and professional supervision.

References:

1. Neera Nathan, “The skinny on freezing fat”, Harvard Health Blog, Last Modified on March 12,2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-skinny-on-freezing-fat-2020031218990

2. Jacopo Maria Fontana, “Whole-body cryostimulation in obesity - A scoping review", Journal of Thermal Biology, Volume 106, May 2022, 103250, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103250

3. Rachel Reiff Ellis, “Coolsculpting for fat loss: Is it safe?”, Radiance by WebMD, Last Modified on September 11, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/coolsculpting

4. Ingargiola MJ, “Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring: Safety and Efficacy of Current Treatment Paradigms”, Plast Reconstr Surg. June 2015, 135(6):1581-1590. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444424/

By Dr. Hansini Bhaskaran

_MSM/DP