The skinny on weight loss

A treatment for cellulite

Ideal Protein has a cellulite treatment that has been used in Canada for over eight years. The following is an e-mail I received from Michael P. Ciell, RPh., Chief Science Officer for Ideal Protein in regards to this treatment.

Overview

Cellulite is the general term given to trapped pockets of fat, usually in the area from the knee to the buttocks. This term is not to be confused with cellulitis which is an infection (usually caused by Staph or Strept bacteria) of the skin. The condition mainly affects women and it is thought to be influenced by genetics and hormones...primarily estrogens and insulin. The hallmark characteristic of cellulite is a 'lumpy,' 'orange peel' or 'cottage-cheese-like' appearance of the skin and, while non-pathological, it is to say the least, very unaesthetic. Numerous technologies have been developed to reduce or remove cellulite: laser treatment, wrapping, heating (with or without suction), massage techniques, saline injections, and a wide variety of topicals (creams, lotions). These technologies tend to be rather expensive and the results (for the most part) seem to be marginally effective and long term results are usually disappointing.

Ideal Protein's approach

Fats (triglycerides) are sequestered or 'locked' into the fat cells by the action of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase. The hormone insulin greatly increases the activity of this enzyme. Therefore if we apply a certain technology to 'get the fat out of the cell' without taking this fact into consideration...we are basically fighting a hormone and the hormone will always win. Ideal Protein views this problem from a nutritional standpoint. By severely restricting all carbohydrates ('good ones, bad ones, fast ones and slow ones) we are: 1) able to deplete the body's primary source of energy (glycogen) 2) force the body to burn its fat as the primary source of energy, and 3) greatly decrease the amount of insulin secreted thus allowing these cells to release their fat stores. Should the client employ any of the above mentioned technologies (along with this protocol) the results will be very impressive indeed. However most clients find this "nutritional approach" alone is sufficient to achieve very satisfactory results.

Getting started

This protocol is not to be considered a weight loss program. The client will begin this program if they are at their 'ideal weight' (to be determined by the client and coach). If they have a few extra pounds to lose, they will start (or remain on) phase one of the regular protocol until their ideal weight is achieved. This is what our weight loss clients are on to lose the first 90 percent of their weight loss goal. Once on the cellulite protocol the client will notice the cellulite is usually removed in a very specific manner: from "bottom upward," that is, if the thigh is the affected area, the cellulite loss will begin near the knee and will move upward towards the buttock region every week. In most cases the 'cellulite program' should take no longer than two to three weeks to achieve the desired results.

If you have a weight loss goal or you wish to be rid of unsightly cellulite, call our clinic (Ideal Health) for a free consultation at (208) 772-6015. Come on Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, let's shape up and get healthy together.