CoolSculpting vs. Weight Loss: A Detailed Comparison

The CoolSculpting vs. weight loss topic of discussion is one that has existed for quite a while. Indeed, many people believe that both treatment methods are the same. But, we will tell you right now, they are not. If this new information feels very confusing for you, we understand how you must feel. So, we’ve prepared this article to help you clear the air on the subject.

You see, the fat loss that results from CoolSculpting is a unique process. While weight loss may seem similar to what happens after CoolSculpting, it’s really not. In fact, fat loss and losing weight are not even the same thing! Granted, both processes may help you become trimmer in select parts of your body, but there’s more to it. Not to worry, we’ll explain ourselves in a bit.

There is no doubt that CoolSculpting has become one of the most preferred fat loss procedures globally over the past decade. However, this surge in popularity has raised questions in the mind of many, especially first-timers. One of the more common questions we get is ‘which is best between CoolSculpting and weight loss?’

Before we answer this question and more, it may be best for you to have some background knowledge about both treatments. This way, when we reveal our take on the CoolSculpting vs. weight loss debate, you’ll understand why we did so. Of course, we’ll reinforce our answers with facts from medical experts and relevant research.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to understanding the finer details about CoolSculpting and weight loss. By the end of this informative blog, you’ll gain insight into which option is best to help you achieve your body goals.

That said, let us start from the basics.

Traditional Weight Loss: The Details

Do you know that the number of fat cells typically stays fixed in an adult’s body? Yes, the human body creates all the fat cells it will ever need during childhood and adolescence. So, if the number does vary in adulthood, it doesn’t do so much by much. At this point, you’re probably wondering, ‘if this is true, how do people then get fat?’ Well, we’ll tell you.

When you start to gain weight, the fat cells expand, which in turn causes weight gain and larger body size. But, the number of the cells themselves do not increase. Similarly, when you lose weight, fat cells shrink, which causes a reduction of body size in that area. In other words, your body will typically never get rid of fat cells.

However, there is an exception – CoolSculpting. We’ll explore that later in our CoolSculpting vs. weight loss comparison.

Now, how does weight loss occur? Depending on your diet, level of physical activity, and other lifestyle choices, your body will shrink fat cells at various rates. This means that when you intensify your exercise routine and adopt a healthier diet, your body will burn more calories than it gets. This will, in turn, cause a depletion of reserves in fat cells, which then leads to weight loss.

However, although you will have lost some fat, the actual fat cells are still in place. This means they can come back if you recede into your old habits. Of course, it is always an excellent idea to eat well and exercise regularly irrespective of your weight.

Sadly, sometimes maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not enough to get us the body we want. Indeed, no matter the amount of dieting and rigorous, agonizing workouts, some fatty areas just won’t budge. 

Common areas are love handles, bra bulges, stomach fat, chin and neck regions and several others. This is where the fundamental differences between CoolSculpting and weight loss come into play.

Exploring CoolSculpting as a Fat Loss Solution

Now, here’s the icing on the cake – the truth about CoolSculpting treatments. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis technology to freeze and kill fat cells in target areas of the body. Then, your body slowly gets rid of the now-dormant fat cells as part of its waste. This consequently results in up to 25% fat reduction in the targeted region.

CoolSculpting works by applying controlled and measured cold temperatures to the skin with a machine for specific durations. During that time, the fat underneath the skin will react to the cold, triggering cell death (or apoptosis).

Interestingly, the inspiration behind fat freezing as a medical procedure resulted from observing children with popsicles. After noticing that kids who enjoy licking popsicles experienced fat loss in their cheeks, scientists explored the possibility of doing it on a larger scale. Thankfully, it worked! Today, millions of people have benefitted from the safe fat loss procedure that is CoolSculpting.

You see, fat cells are much more susceptible to cold temperatures than skin cells. In other words, the freezing temperature of CoolSculpting will destroy your fat cells without harming the surrounding tissues. Once the cells die off, your body’s immune system will gradually absorb and dispose of them.

This means that CoolSculpting results in total removal of fat cells from the body, unlike weight loss, which merely shrinks them. However, the change in your body will not be dramatic. 

It usually takes the body between a few weeks and three months to totally eliminate dead fat cells. So, if you’re planning to get in shape for a special event, you will need to set your CoolSculpting appointment months ahead. On the plus side, once fat cells die, they cannot regenerate.

However, although several CoolSculpting before and after pictures reveal fantastic transformations after one treatment, it is not always the case. Indeed, most people may require multiple treatments before they achieve their desired body goals. On the other, some people go through only one treatment, and they are satisfied with their fat loss.

Whichever the case may be, here’s what you should remember. Each CoolSculpting treatment results in a 20 to 25% reduction in fat cells in the target area.

Differences between CoolSculpting and Weight Loss

Understandably, you may be curious about what makes CoolSculpting so different from weight loss. Well, the truth is there are several critical disparities between procedures. 

CoolSculpting results in fat loss

One of the vital differences between CoolSculpting and weight loss is their impact on the body’s fat levels. You see, when you lose weight, the fat cells in your body merely shrink and become smaller. But, there is no change in their number. This means that if you stop the healthy habits you’ve picked, those cells will absorb more fat and grow larger.

On the other hand, with CoolSculpting, there is a total reduction in these fat cells. In this case, the area that undergoes treatment will have fewer fat cells, thereby giving you a trimmer figure. Here comes the best part – these fat cells cannot grow back! However, this is not to say you should neglect to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding proper diet and exercise.

CoolSculpting will not help you lose weight

One of the more common CoolSculpting questions we get is ‘if CoolSculpting reduces fat cells, why not does it not result in weight loss?’ Well, before we answer that, here are some fun facts for you. 

Do you know that fat does not account for a lot of weight in people with a normal BMI range? Indeed, the fat in your body only makes up an average of 20% (usually 10% to 30%) of your total body weight.

Now, because CoolSculpting results in approximately 25% fat loss, you may be able to see why it does not cause significant weight loss. Indeed, the fat you lose from the procedure will likely not weigh up to a pound. However, the loss of this same mass of fat will give you a slimmer look, which, of course, is the goal.

Related article: What Is Coolsculpting

CoolSculpting is ideal for people close to their body goals

Here is another reason for the CoolSculpting vs. weight loss debate — body goals. There is no doubt that having a healthy weight is a crucial part of maintaining proper physical health. 

The sad fact is being in a healthy weight range does not always equal having the body you want. Indeed, some fat deposits in the body seem to be resistant to even the most vigorous exercise and diet. 

For instance, it is decidedly challenging to target fat under the chin or, say, love handles. If you fall into this category, then we have good news for you. CoolSculpting can help you target those areas of stubborn fat and help you reach your body goals.

You see, unlike weight loss, CoolSculpting is less of a size-reduction procedure. Instead, its focus is to help people tone and ‘sculpt’ out specific areas of their body. 

In other words, you’d have to be close to your ideal body goal to appreciate the effects of fat freezing. However, after your CoolSculpting treatment, you may look as though you’ve shed a few pounds due to your fitter appearance.

CoolSculpting is not for everyone

Here is our final point on the differences between CoolSculpting and weight loss. Generally, anybody can undergo a typical weight loss procedure. After all, it usually involves a stricter diet regimen, increased physical activities, and perhaps, a better sleeping timetable. Most people can go through this and see positive results after a while.

However, CoolSculpting may not be an effective treatment for everyone who tries to explore it. Of course, there is the place of being close to your ideal body. But, beyond that, factors such as age and skin type can influence the quality of results you get from CoolSculpting. For instance, people with thick, firm skin may not experience significant changes with fat freezing.

People with specific medical conditions such as paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, cryoglobulinemia, or cold agglutinin disease should not undergo CoolSculpting. This is because freezing temperatures of the procedure may cause health complications for them.

CoolSculpting vs. Weight Loss: Which Is Best?

While many may wonder which is best between CoolSculpting and weight loss, there is no right answer to this question. It all depends on your body and the changes you are trying to achieve. But, one thing is sure — you can benefit from CoolSculpting as long as your goal is a mild fat loss.

Of course, there are several factors you must consider before making your decision. For one, you must be close to your body goal. Otherwise, you may find CoolSculpting results rather unsatisfactory. Also, you have to be in excellent health conditions. If you’re not sure about whether you should try CoolSculpting or not, we recommend speaking with your doctor first.

However, if you are still having a CoolSculpting vs. weight loss debate in your mind, here’s a decision making tip for you. Ask yourself the following question: ‘Am I trying to lose weight or get rid of stubborn fat deposits?’ If your answer is the latter, then CoolSculpting may be just what you need.

That said, let us explore some of the exciting facts about CoolSculpting:

• CoolSculpting results are discreet, unlike other medical cosmetic procedures.
• It requires no downtime.
• The procedure is relatively safe and has no severe side effects.
• It is relatively fast as most treatments are usually over within the hour.
• Fat loss is permanent. 
• Finally, CoolSculpting is the most popular non-invasive fat loss treatment in the world.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, we have been able to give some insight into the CoolSculpting vs. weight loss controversy. The truth is both procedures do not have the same purpose. CoolSculpting works better for people who are reasonably fit but want a little more trimness (fat loss) in specific areas. 

On the other hand, weight loss is specifically for people trying to drop from one body size to another. Of course, there is also a world of differences between the execution of both procedures.

Do you want to experience the effects of CoolSculpting for yourself? Canada MedLaser offers top-notch CoolSculpting treatments in Toronto.