The market for products and methods that induce weight loss has consistently been highly profitable. In a society where unhealthy food is readily available and your clothing size is of importance, many people look for the easy way out to trim down. Those who have the money to spend are willing to invest in these short-cuts such as liposuction, diet pills and much more. Recently, a new method has been introduced: freezing fat. The inception of “two new products, Zeltiq's CoolSculpting system and Cool Shapes Contouring Shorts” (Woolston) has brought an innovative twist to an already very lucrative business.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting system for fat removal in September of this year and since then it has gradually been provided at American doctors’ offices. The procedure is performed in way in which the “doctor applies a cup-shaped applicator to a problem spot such as a "love handle" or a paunchy belly. The area is then gently sucked up into the applicator and dramatically cooled for up to one hour” (Woolston). Apparently treatments cost $700 and at times, more than one treatment is recommended. A less expensive version of this treatment is the Cool Shapes Contouring shorts, which are designed with pockets to carry frozen gel packs that are easily replaceable.
The reasoning behind the freeze factor is that “cold is said to kill white fat while energizing brown fat, the desirable type of fat that helps burn calories” (Woolston). This method is not intended for true weight loss, but rather for a slight slimming down.
I think the creativity that has developed in this industry is quite remarkable. This method of freezing fat seems far less dangerous than consuming pills or inserting organisms into your stomach and other crazy methods. In fact, it has been noted that this procedure provides comes with very little risk. However, as one may argue with other pricey cosmetic surgeries, is it not unfair that only rich people have the luxury of easily shedding pounds without having to actually exercise? And furthermore, what kind of message does it send that the wealthy are spending their extra dollars on taking the shortcut around actually exercising rather than donating to a more worthy cause such as cancer research.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-skeptic-fat-freeze-20101108,0,3958606.story
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