You’ve heard it before: Liposuction is your best bet for those stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. But recent research also suggests that the fat comes back, which begs the question: Is liposuction still a good invest? Experts say yes—if you commit to the right post-liposuction lifestyle.
Earlier this year researchers in Brazil presented their study data to a physician audience at the American College of Sports Medicine 58th Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Their findings indicate that the fat you may be at risk for regaining can be controlled with a simple lifestyle adjustment. You guessed it: exercise.
In the study, researchers divided women who had low-volume abdominal liposuction into two groups: one group participated in a 4-month exercise program after liposuction; the other group did not. Exercise included aerobic and resistance training 3 times a week. Patient eating habits in both groups did not change.
After the 4-month period, measurements showed that while both groups lost the same amount of subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin), the group who did not exercise had an increase of visceral fat (fat in the abdominal cavity). In other words, the fat came back as “belly fat,” packed in between the organs.
While the researchers admitted that they were surprised with the increase of fat into the abdominal cavity for the non-exercising group, they also pointed out that they were pleasantly surprised at the results in the exercise group.
The moral of this story? Liposuction can help you get the results you want, but it's ultimately up to you to maintain them.
Visit our trusted online liposuction resource for more information on liposuction or to find a doctor in your area.
Originally Published Nov 2, 2011