SLIMMING : SLIMMING TREATMENTS

What are overweight and obesity?

Slimming is a common request in aesthetic medicine. Even slim individuals may have stubborn fat bulges they find unsightly and cannot get rid of despite a healthy diet and regular physical activity. On average, an adult gains 500 g to 1 kg per year. Fat cells, or adipocytes, are located in the deep layer of the skin — the subcutaneous tissue.

Contents

Key Points

Losing weight without surgery in Geneva

For localized slimming, there are effective solutions that sculpt the silhouette and reduce fat deposits without surgery.
Treatments such as cryolipolysis, EMSCULPT, and radiofrequency have been

designed to target and eliminate stubborn fat deposits while improving muscle tone and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Non-invasive body contouring techniques offer fast, visible results for fat loss and skin firming.

photo causes weight gain

What causes weight gain ?

Weight gain is caused by a surplus of calories consumed compared to calories burned.
Causes include :

  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Diet too high in calories or fat.
  • Restrictive diets, followed by binge eating as compensation.
  • Stress.
  • Genetics : some individuals have a slower basal metabolism.
  • Age : metabolism slows down with age.
  • Certain medications and medical conditions.

How do I know if I need to lose weight?

The assessment criteria and methods are :

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) 

Calculation
L’IMC est calculé en divisant le poids (en kilogrammes) par la taille (en mètres) au carré.

Interpretation
Below 18.5 : underweight
Between 18.5 and 24.9 : normal weight
Between 25 and 29.9 : overweight
Above 30 : obesity

Limitations
While BMI is a useful general indicator, it does not account for body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass) and may not be accurate for certain individuals, such as athletes.

  • Waist circumference 

Method
Measure your waist circumference at the navel.

Interpretation 
For men : a waist circumference over 102 cm is associated with an increased health risk.
For women : over 88 cm is associated with an increased health risk.

  • Waist-to-hip ratio

Method
Divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference.

Interpretation 
For men : a ratio over 0.90 indicates increased cardiovascular risk.
For women : a ratio over 0.85 indicates increased cardiovascular risk.

  • Body composition

Analysis
Des méthodes comme l’impédancemétrie, le plis cutané ou les DEXA scans mesurent le pourcentage de masse graisseuse.

Interpretation
Un pourcentage de graisse corporelle élevé indique qu’il faut perdre du poids, même si l’IMC est normal.

photo cryolipolysis for fat rolls

What is the most effective slimming treatment? Cryolipolysis

Overall weight loss is achieved through physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet.
Localized slimming is possible with Cryolipolysis.

A clinical examination by an experienced physician is essential before treatment to :

  • Check skin retraction capacity.
  • Identify any contraindications.
  • Determine surgical indications : some patients are not good candidates for cryolipolysis, and only surgery can deliver a good result.
  • Eliminate poor indications : arms and knees, for example, are not ideal areas.

Emsculpt for localised slimming

Emsculpt est une technologie non invasive qui utilise des ondes électromagnétiques focalisées de haute intensité (HIFEM) pour stimuler les muscles et brûler les graisses. Cette méthode permet de réaliser des contractions musculaires supramaximales, impossibles à obtenir par l’exercice volontaire. En seulement quelques séances, Emsculpt augmente la masse musculaire et réduit significativement la graisse dans des zones ciblées comme l’abdomen, les fesses, les bras et les cuisses. Les patients rapportent une amélioration notable de la tonicité et de la définition musculaire, sans nécessiter de temps de récupération.

Radiofrequency for skin firming

Radiofrequency is a body contouring technique that uses electromagnetic fields to heat the deep layers of the skin, thereby stimulating collagen production. This treatment is particularly effective for skin tightening and cellulite reduction. The heat generated by radiofrequency promotes blood and lymphatic circulation, improving skin texture.
Radiofrequency sessions are comfortable, painless, and require no downtime, allowing patients to resume daily activities immediately.

How to lose weight naturally ?

It is possible to lose weight naturally.
Weight gain and fat accumulation are influenced by diet, physical activity, metabolism, and hormones.

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for sustainable weight loss.
Making wise food choices is key — avoid overeating and restrictive diets that cause nutritional deficiencies and rebound overeating.

L’activité physique tonifie les muscles, booste le métabolisme, améliore la circulation sanguine et lymphatique en réduisant la rétention d’eau et en augmentant la combustion des graisses.

Sleep plays an important role — it promotes cellular regeneration and the production of hormones needed for weight loss.

Six tips for losing weight.

  • Créer un déficit calorique :  dépensez plus de calories que vous n’en ingérez, privilégiez des aliments sains à faible teneur calorique : fruits, légumes, céréales complètes, des protéines maigres.
  • Regular physical activity : aim for at least 30 minutes of daily activity. Exercise increases calorie expenditure, improves cardiovascular health, and tones muscles.
  • Stay hydrated : drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to stay properly hydrated and eliminate toxins.
  • Avoid processed foods and sugar.
  • Manage stress : stress increases cortisol production, a hormone responsible for weight gain.
  • Dormir suffisamment : le manque de sommeil augmente l’appétit.

Can dietary supplements help with weight loss ?

Les compléments alimentaires peuvent être un plus dans le cadre d’un programme de perte de poids, mais ils ne sont pas une solution miracle. Il est important d’avoir l’avis d’un professionnel de santé.

  • Régulateurs d’appétit : certains compléments contiennent des fibres solubles comme le glucomannane, qui réduit l’appétit en augmentant la sensation de satiété.
  • Fat burners : these often contain ingredients such as caffeine, green tea, or capsaicin, which stimulate metabolism. However, their effects are modest and vary.
  • Inhibiteurs d’absorption : certains produits, comme ceux contenant du chitosan, prétendent empêcher l’absorption des graisses ou des glucides. Leur efficacité est encore débattue.
  • Probiotics : a healthy gut microbiota can influence weight management. Probiotics help improve digestion.
  • Vitamins and minerals : nutrient deficiencies can affect metabolism and cause fatigue.

Is it possible to lose weight quickly and safely ? How to trigger fast weight loss ?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight quickly and safely, but certain precautions must be taken. It’s best not to be impatient — overly drastic methods can have harmful health effects. Here are some tips to achieve it.

  • Consult a healthcare professional.
  • Réduire l’apport calorique de manière contrôlée.
  • Favor nutrient-rich foods : vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats.
  • Augmenter l’activité physique.
  • Hydratation : boire beaucoup d’eau tout au long de la journée. Éviter les boissons sucrées et les sodas.
  • Control portions : use smaller plates and measure servings to avoid overeating. Chew slowly.
  • Avoid sugars and refined carbs : reduce intake of white bread, pastries, and candy. Choose complex carbs like whole grain bread.
  • Get sufficient sleep.
  • Manage stress : practise stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Stress can trigger cravings and overeating.
  • Suivre ses progrès : tenir un journal alimentaire et d’activité sportive.  

What mistakes should be avoided for sustainable and effective weight loss ?

During the slimming phase, certain mistakes can compromise progress and harm health. The main mistakes to avoid include :

  • Skipping meals : skipping meals can slow down metabolism and lead to uncontrollable cravings.
  • Following restrictive diets : restrictive diets cause nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and rapid weight regain after the diet ends.
  • Not eating enough protein : protein is essential for preserving muscle mass and promoting satiety.
  • Poor hydration : not drinking enough water can slow metabolism, increase water retention, and trigger cravings often mistaken for hunger.
  • Consuming light or low-fat products : low-fat or low-sugar products often contain additives, sweeteners or refined carbs that can hinder slimming efforts.
  • Éviter complètement les graisses : les bonnes graisses, comme celles présentes dans les avocats, les noix et l’huile d’olive, sont essentielles pour la satiété et le bon fonctionnement du métabolisme.
  • Focusing only on cardio : neglecting strength training in favor of only cardio can result in muscle loss and a reduced basal metabolic rate.
  • Not getting enough sleep : lack of sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), increasing cravings for snacks and sweets.
  • Underestimating portion sizes.
  • Lacking patience : sustainable slimming takes time. Seeking quick results can lead to unhealthy practices and the yo-yo effect.
  • Se focaliser sur le poids affiché par la balance : le poids fluctue en fonction de divers facteurs comme la rétention d’eau et ne reflète pas nécessairement la perte de graisse ou le gain musculaire.
  • Not engaging in physical activity.

Are slimming creams effective ?

Slimming creams claim to reduce cellulite, firm the skin and sculpt the silhouette. However, their effectiveness is debated.
These products may be used as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, but they should not be considered a solution for weight loss or fat reduction.

Ingredients and active components
Les crèmes amincissantes contiennent des ingrédients tels que la caféine, la théophylline, la rétinol, les algues marines et d’autres composés végétaux qui prétendent réduire la graisse et améliorer la texture de la peau.

Mechanism of action
The active ingredients in slimming creams are intended to penetrate the skin and act on superficial fat cells. They may improve blood and lymphatic circulation, which could help reduce water retention and toxins in the tissues.
Some creams also contain ingredients that may stimulate collagen production, thereby firming the skin.

Results
Les effets des crèmes amincissantes sont généralement temporaires. La réduction de la cellulite et le raffermissement de la peau peuvent être visibles après une utilisation régulière, mais les résultats disparaissent rapidement si l’utilisation est interrompue.

Variable effectiveness
Les résultats varient d’une personne à l’autre.

Superficial effects
Les crèmes amincissantes agissent principalement sur les couches superficielles de la peau et n’agissent pas sur la graisse profonde. Elles ne remplacent pas les méthodes de perte de poids.

Slimming : prices

Aesthetic slimming treatments offered in Geneva are part of a personalised protocol, with prices varying according to the area treated, the goals, and the number of sessions required.
A detailed quote is provided during the consultation, following a clinical examination and an evaluation of the patient’s needs.
The price of a cryolipolysis session is 500 CHF ; this rate includes treatment of one area using two applicators.
For radiofrequency, the cost is 250 CHF per session and per area, and may vary depending on the surface area treated.
For EMSCULPT, the price per session and per area is 500 CHF.

What's the difference between losing weight and slimming down?
  • Lose weight refers to overall weight loss, including the loss of fat, muscle and water. The term is often used in the context of total body weight reduction.
  • Slimming refers to the reduction of body fat and the firming of the body. Slimming improves the figure and body composition, without necessarily resulting in significant weight loss.

Slimming treatments can complement a healthy lifestyle and help to improve the figure. The most popular techniques are :

  • Whirlpool baths.
  • Palpate and roll.
  • Body wraps.
  • Pressure therapy.
  • Jet showers.

Yes, it is possible to lose weight without doing sport, but it requires an approach that focuses mainly on diet and lifestyle: a balanced diet, good hydration, stress management and getting enough sleep.

Foods rich in fibre, lean protein and healthy fats promote weight loss. For example, green vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, nuts and seeds.

Le piment de Cayenne est connu pour ses propriétés brûle-graisses. La capsaïcine, qu’il contient, semblerait stimuler le métabolisme, mais aucune étude l’a prouvé.

A light meal consisting of green vegetables, lean proteins such as fish or chicken, and whole grains is ideal for losing belly fat.

Les légumes sont d’excellents choix de grignotages qui ne font pas grossir.

Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and courgettes can be eaten as much as you like without any risk of weight gain.

L’eau est l’un des rares “aliments” qui apporte 0 calorie. Les boissons à base de plantes non sucrées, comme le thé vert, sont également très faibles en calories.

Les aliments riches en protéines et en fibres, comme les œufs, les lentilles et les pommes, sont d’excellents coupe-faim naturels.

Boire beaucoup d’eau, manger des aliments riches en fibres, consommer des protéines à chaque repas et éviter les sucres raffinés.

La pomme est un fruit efficace pour couper l’appétit grâce à sa teneur élevée en fibres et en eau, ce qui procure une sensation de satiété.

Other areas to be treated