SLIMMING : SLIMMING TREATMENTS

What are overweight and obesity ?

Slimming is a frequent request in aesthetic-oriented medicine.
Even slim people may find themselves with bulges they consider unsightly and from which they cannot get rid despite a healthy diet and physical activity.
Fat cells, or adipocytes, are located in the deep layer of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue.
An adult gains 500g to 1kg per year.

Contents

Key Points

Losing weight without surgery in Geneva

For localized slimming there are effective solutions that make it possible to sculpt the silhouette and reduce fat deposits without surgery.
Treatments such as cryolipolysis, EMSCULPT and radiofrequency have been designed to target and eliminate these deposits

Stubborn adipose tissue, while improving muscle tone and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Non-invasive body-contouring techniques offer rapid and visible results, for weight loss and skin firming.

photo causes weight gain

What causes weight gain ?

Weight gain is caused by a surplus of calories ingested compared with those expended.
The causes are :

  • 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
BMI is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilograms) by the height (in meters) squared.

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 level of the navel.

Interpretation
For men : a waist circumference greater than 102 cm is associated with an increased risk of health problems.
For women : a waist circumference greater than 88 cm is associated with an increased risk of health problems.

  • Waist-to-hip ratio

Method
Divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference.

Interpretation
For men : a ratio higher than 0.90 indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
For women : a ratio higher than 0.85 indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Body composition

Analysis
Methods such as bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfold measurement or DEXA scans measure the percentage of body fat mass.

Interpretation
A high percentage of body fat indicates that weight loss is necessary, even if BMI is 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 performed by an experienced physician is essential before treatment, in order to :

  • Check skin retraction capacity.
  • Identify any contraindications.
  • Identify surgical indications, some patients are not good candidates for cryolipolysis. In these situations, only a surgical treatment makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory and long-lasting result.
  • Eliminate indications for which the result will be mediocre, the arms and the knees are for example a poor indication.

Emsculpt for localised slimming

Emsculpt is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic waves (HIFEM) to stimulate muscles and burn fat. This method allows supramaximal muscle contractions, impossible to achieve through voluntary exercise. In just a few sessions, Emsculpt increases muscle mass and significantly reduces fat in targeted areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs. Patients report a noticeable improvement in muscle tone and definition, without requiring recovery time.

Radiofrequency for skin firming

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

How to lose weight naturally ?

It is possible to lose weight naturally, provided that you act on the factors that influence weight gain, such as diet, physical activity, metabolism and hormonal mechanisms. A healthy and balanced diet is the basis of sustainable weight loss. The choice of foods must be considered, excesses must be avoided but also overly restrictive diets, often responsible for nutritional deficiencies and compensatory eating behaviors.
Physical activity plays a central role by toning the muscles, stimulating the metabolism and improving blood and lymphatic circulation. It thus helps reduce water retention and increase fat burning. Sleep is also a determining factor, as it contributes to cellular regeneration and hormonal regulation, two essential elements for maintaining a stable weight.

Six tips to lose weight

  • Create a caloric deficit : burn more calories than you ingest, favor healthy low-calorie foods : fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins.
  • 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.
  • Sleep enough : lack of sleep increases appetite.

Can dietary supplements help with weight loss ?

Dietary supplements can be an added benefit as part of a weight-loss program, but they are not a miracle solution. It is important to have the advice of a health professional.

  • Appetite regulators : some supplements contain soluble fibers such as glucomannan, which reduces appetite by increasing the feeling of satiety.
  • Fat burners : these often contain ingredients such as caffeine, green tea, or capsaicin, which stimulate metabolism. However, their effects are modest and vary.
  • Absorption inhibitors : some products, such as those containing chitosan, claim to prevent the absorption of fats or carbohydrates. Their effectiveness is still debated.
  • 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.
  • Reduce caloric intake in a controlled manner.
  • Favor nutrient-rich foods : vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats.
  • Increase physical activity.
  • Hydration : drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas.
  • Control portions : use smaller plates and measure portions 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.
  • Track your progress : keep a food and physical activity journal.  

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.
  • Avoid completely fats : good fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts and olive oil, are essential for satiety and for the proper functioning of the metabolism.
  • 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.
  • Focusing on the number on the scale : weight fluctuates according to various factors such as water retention and does not necessarily reflect fat loss or muscle gain.
  • 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 agents
Slimming creams contain ingredients such as caffeine, theophylline, retinol, marine algae and other plant compounds that claim to reduce fat and improve skin quality.

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
The effects of slimming creams are generally temporary. The reduction of cellulite and the firming of the skin may be visible after regular use, but the results disappear quickly if use is stopped.

Variable effectiveness
Results vary from person to person.

Superficial effects
Slimming creams act mainly on the superficial layers of the skin and do not act on deep fat. They do not replace weight-loss methods.

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 ?
  • Losing weight refers to an overall weight loss, including the loss of fat, muscle and water. The term is often used in the context of reducing total body weight.
  • Slimming refers to the reduction of fat mass and the firming of the body. Slimming improves the silhouette and body composition, without necessarily a significant weight loss.

Slimming treatments can complement a healthy lifestyle and help improve the silhouette. The most popular techniques are : bubbling baths, palpate-and-roll massage, body wraps, pressotherapy, 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.

Cayenne pepper is known for its fat-burning properties. Capsaicin, which it contains, is thought to stimulate the metabolism, but no study has proven it.

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

Vegetables are excellent snacking choices that do not cause weight gain.

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.

Foods rich in protein and fiber, such as eggs, lentils and apples, are excellent natural appetite suppressants.

Drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in fiber, consume protein at every meal and avoid refined sugars.

The apple is an effective fruit for suppressing appetite thanks to its high fiber and water content, which provides a feeling of satiety.

Other areas to be treated