24 Apr The Hourglass Shape is Back: CoolSculpting Can Help Patients Achieve It
The classic feminine hourglass shape never fully went out of style. However, RefinedMD’s CoolSculpting experts have seen an increased demand for a more natural curvy shape in recent years. Through innovative fat-freezing technology, it is easier than ever for women to achieve the ultra-feminine shape in a safe and effective manner.
Made popular by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, as well as the tightly-cinched Victorian ladies of yore, the Coke bottle figure is a classic. In the far past, women depended on dangerous corsets and uncomfortable bustles to achieve the look. There is even a mathematical equation to what many consider the ideal shape. It considers the bust, waist, and hip size. Measure the bust right below the breasts, the waist at the smallest area, and the hips at the widest area. According to numerous studies, having a waist that is 70 percent the size of the bust and hips is considered the most attractive (ideally, the bust and hips are a similar size). This is called the 0.70 Ratio.
A Little Sculpting Help
Many women naturally have a bust and hips that are similar in size. However, the abdomen can be a trouble area, particularly for women who boast an apple shape. It has a tendency to collect visceral fat, the dangerous kind of fat that can increase risk of heart disease. The abdomen, as well as the thighs and flanks, is one of the most popular areas for CoolSculpting. Targeting fat in this area can help patients achieve the hourglass look they are after.
Although the hourglass shape is always desirable, there are ebbs and flows in pop culture that dictate the “perfect body” at any given time. The waifish look made waves in the 1920s with flappers, the 1970s with the Flower Child Era, and of course the 1990s with “heroin chic” where Kate Moss led the pack. Today, the idea covets an overtly feminine appeal including beautiful curves and nipped-in waists. It highlights a woman’s natural body curves, but can be frustrating for those who are already at an ideal weight but struggle with a little extra padding in their midsection.
Why Losing Weight is So Hard
It’s easy to point fingers at convenience foods and working at a desk, but researchers at York University say that the real reason it’s so tough to lose weight is because of evolution and our environment. CoolSculpting isn’t a weight loss tool, but it can help you target stubborn fat pockets and contour the body when you’re within a few pounds of your target weight.
The findings in Obesity Research & Clinical Practice studied diet and exercise habits of “tens of thousands of Americans” over 40 years and found that even when a person had the same diet and exercise routine as someone else, the 2006 person had a higher BMI than the 1988 person. What gives?
On average, today’s person is ten percent heavier than someone 20-30 years ago. Managing your weight is a lot more complex than “energy in, energy out.” Researchers say that our lifestyle today simply makes it more difficult to manage weight. We sleep less (hello, weight gain), have higher stress (what’s up, extra pounds?), and are exposed to more chemicals (scary). Researchers also theorize that more prescription drug use is playing a toll.
Can’t “Weight” Any Longer
The microbiomes in our guts, which process food, are also struggling with diet changes. We eat a lot more meat than we used to (not counting our caveman ancestors!), a lot more artificial sweetener, and both these are wreaking havoc on our gut. Yes, Paleo dieting and swapping the occasional Stevia for sugar is usually a smart move, but not en masse like we’ve been doing.
Finally, it’s sad but true: Our bodies are taking a long time to catch up to society’s standards. We don’t feel “full” until 20 minutes after we’ve been eating, and starving bodies grab onto any calorie they can, because our bodies are still behaving like we’re cavemen fighting tooth and nail for food. While our ancestors burned thousands of calories per day hunting and gathering, only to eat organic, unprocessed foods when they could, today’s bodies are still acting like that’s the norm.
In short, it’s harder now to manage weight than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible—especially with the right support and strategies. If you’re within a healthy weight range but are struggling with those last few pounds, get in touch with RefinedMD today by calling the office or filling out the online form.