Understanding Fat: What It Is and How It Affects Us
It’s something both men and women talk about, worry over, and feel self-conscious about. For many, excess weight brings a wave of negative emotions that can affect confidence and behavior. But why does being overweight stir up such powerful feelings? And what’s really happening in the body that makes weight such a big deal? To get to the bottom of it, let’s start with the basics: What exactly is fat?
Fat, also known as adipose tissue, is composed of fat cells—a unique type of cell designed to store energy. You can think of a fat cell as a tiny, microscopic bag filled with oily substance. Most of this fat is stored just beneath the skin, though smaller amounts are also found around your kidneys, liver, and even in your muscles. Interestingly, you are born with a set number of fat cells, and after birth, your body no longer produces more. When you gain weight, these cells don’t multiply; they simply expand. On the other hand, when you lose weight, the cells shrink, but they never disappear on their own.
Your body weight is a balancing act between the energy you consume from food and the energy you use through activity. When you use more energy than you consume, your body taps into fat reserves, breaking them down and shrinking fat cells. To maintain a healthy weight, most experts recommend eating a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, keeping your daily intake around 1,500 to 2,000 calories, and staying active with regular exercise.
It’s no secret that fat distribution differs between men and women. Men typically carry weight in the chest, abdomen, and buttocks, leading to an “apple” shape. In contrast, women tend to store fat in the breasts, hips, waist, and buttocks, creating the classic “pear” shape. These patterns can affect self-esteem and body image, but what if diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to target stubborn fat?
That’s where laser-assisted liposuction, also known as SmartLipo Triplex, comes into play. This advanced procedure permanently removes fat cells in targeted areas of the body. Once the fat cells are removed, they’re gone for good. SmartLipo is ideal for treating small, localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Popular treatment areas include the face, neck, jowls, abdomen, hips, waist, arms, back, and even male breasts.
The laser used in SmartLipo has a twofold benefit. First, it melts the fat by causing fat cells to swell and burst, turning them into fatty oil that your body can naturally eliminate. Secondly, the laser stimulates collagen production, which tightens and firms the skin. After a SmartLipo treatment, you’ll notice not only a loss of inches but also tighter, smoother skin.
Curious if SmartLipo is the right solution for you? Take the next step toward feeling more confident and comfortable in your skin—schedule your appointment today!
