Weight Problems
& Causes

Flabby arms can happen to even slim ladies who are within their ideal weight range.

Causes

• Poor circulation in the blood and lymphatic systems, and an accumulation of excess fat and toxins in the upper arm area.
• Poor diet and a lack of exercise results in a loss in muscle mass, causing the upper arm to lose its toned and taut appearance.

With targeted slimming and sculpting treatments, flabby arms can be toned and firmed to restore the natural definition of the arms.

Postnatal weight gain refers to the excess weight that ladies put on post childbirth. During pregnancy, ladies usually put on about 10 to 30kg, and their physique expands outwards by about 20% to 50%. Fats accumulate all over the body, the breasts will start to sag, skin around the stomach will loosen and the shoulders will take on a rounder, fleshier appearance. Water retention will also be apparent in the thighs.

Causes

• Overeating – Many mothers mistakenly believe that they should eat double the amount while they are pregnant in order to eat for two. However, the average pregnant woman needs only about 300 more calories a day to provide baby with the nutrients he or she needs. Excess calories will be stored as fats in the mother’s body.
• Many ladies also believe that they should eat more during the confinement period to re-nourish their bodies. However, overconsumption can lead to calories being stored in pockets of the skin, becoming deposited fat.
• Water retention – As your body recovers after giving birth, the extra tissues, blood vessels and fluid needed during pregnancy require time to be dissolved and expelled. Some of the fluid will build up in the tissues around your body until it can be expelled.
• Hormonal changes – Pregnancy can cause hormonal imbalance, causing the metabolic rate to change, resulting in weight gain.
• Stress – Becoming a mother is a rewarding and new experience that can bring about stress at times. Stress triggers a chemical reaction in the body, releasing hormones including cortisol which increases appetite and fat accumulation around the abdominal area.

Postnatal weight gain can affect a new mother’s confidence and mental well-being.

Seeking treatment within the “golden time” period of 6 months post-pregnancy, can help mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figure safely and efficiently.

Hereditary obesity refers to the onset of weight problems as a result of an individual’s genetic makeup. Genetics play an important role in how easily we gain or lose weight. Studies have shown that genetics are responsible for at least 50% of all obesity cases.

Causes

• Variations in genes controlling the appetite can cause some individuals to be unable to tell if they are full.
• Some genes may make one more responsive to the taste, smell, and sight of food.
• Certain individuals have an altered sense of taste, with preferences for high fat foods, rather than healthier alternatives.
• Genetic makeup also determines one’s metabolic rate.

Genetic obesity often results in body aches and swelling, along with an increased risk of illnesses and heart related diseases. Some individuals may have difficulty exercising and feel fatigued or breathless easily.

Genetic obesity can be substantially reduced or treated with an active lifestyle and professional slimming and weight management treatments.

Cellulite forms due to the accumulation of excess fat cells, water, and unwanted toxins forcing themselves into the pockets within the skin, thus affecting blood and lymphatic circulation, causing the affected area to harden and have an uneven and dimpled appearance.

Varying degrees of cellulite usually appears on the thigh and buttock areas; and it is more common among women. About 95% of women in their 20s experience the first signs of cellulite, including slim women who are well within their ideal weight range.

Causes

• Poor dietary habits (rich in fat, carbohydrates and/or salt) Refined carbohydrates like white rice, pasta, and bread can cause a spike in the blood sugar levels, which signals the body to store more fat, leading to the formation of cellulite. High intake of salt causes the body to retain water, leaving toxins in the body system.
• Hormonal imbalance – When the oestrogen level drops and the progesterone level increases, the fat-storing hormone called cortisol increases and causes cellulite to form. Stress hormonal glands also produce cortisol.
• Slow metabolism – Instead of burning fat, the body stores them. As more fat accumulates, cellulite will be pushed outward to the subcutaneous layer, becoming visible on the skin.
• Lack of physical activity – When the blood and lymphatic systems are clogged, toxins are not efficiently flushed out of the body. Therefore, exercising can help to eliminate both fat and toxins from the body by stimulating blood circulation.

Cellulite can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, causing stretch marks to appear. It can also block blood circulation, resulting in water retention in the lower half of the body.

While lifestyle changes such as keeping a healthy diet, drinking more water, and wearing looser clothing can help to prevent the formation of cellulite, professional treatments are required to significantly reduce the appearance of existing cellulite.

Water retention and toxin build-up, refer to an excessive and abnormal accumulation of fluids or toxins in the circulatory system or body tissues. Those who have water retention or a huge amount of toxins in their bodies will tend to have a plump and bloated appearance.

Causes

• Diet (Huge intake of salt) As the body strives to maintain a balance of sodium and water, it will hold on to more water to offset excess salt intake.
• Long hours of standing causes fluid to accumulate in the tissues of the lower leg.
• Pre-menstrual syndrome – Some ladies experience water retention in the two weeks prior to menstruation.
• Pregnancy – Change in hormones encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid.
• Oral contraceptives – Pills that include oestrogen can trigger fluid retention.
• Dietary deficiency – Insufficient protein or vitamin B1 in the diet can cause water retention.
• Medications – Certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication and anti-inflammatory drugs are known to cause fluid retention.
• Daily stress, unhealthy eating habits, air and water pollution, over-consumption of medication, and dehydration can clog our body with toxins. If these impurities are not gotten rid of promptly through detoxification, it will be absorbed into the body.

Water retention can cause one’s legs to swell and ache badly; and joints to feel stiff. Some may experience weight fluctuations or rapid weight gain over a few days and weeks.
Toxin build-up causes fatigue, body odour, insomnia, joint pain, constipation, and headaches.

Many women have the misconception that drinking less water can reduce water retention. However, doing so will only cause the body to start storing water instead. It is important to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, to reduce water retention and toxin build-up. Professional detox treatments can also aid in flushing out the excess toxins and fluids.

Overall weight gain refers to a fairly even distribution of weight gain and fat cells on the entire body. Fat cells are enlarged and tend to deposit themselves in all parts of the body, predominantly in the lower torso. Individuals who experience overall weight gain have 1500 to 3000 million fat cells in their body, whereas an individual in the ideal weight range has 250 to 300 million fat cells in comparison.

Causes

• Hereditary – Between the ages of 12 to 18, women start to show early signs of weight problems due to genetics. In some cases, their weight gain begins in childhood.
• Overeating (fatty, oily and sugar-laden foods), digestive problems and a lack of exercise, are some of the major causes in overall weight gain. In serious cases, some individuals put on 10kg or more yearly.
• Long hours of sitting and late dinners are common causes of weight gain in working women. This often results in the metabolic rate slowing down significantly, resulting in weight gain.

With overall weight gain being largely attributed to eating and lifestyle habits, the increase in weight also leads to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Resolving overall weight gain can be difficult as you age. Accumulated fats turn stubborn over the years making it increasingly difficult to burn. Seeking early treatment is important as it can lessen health risks and bring about better results and shorter treatment time.

The tummy area is where fat accumulates most easily and is also the first warning sign that one is putting on weight. The bulge of fat around the waist is especially prominent in tight tops of jeans. Some people may be at their ideal weight but due to lifestyle and dietary habits, may also develop a bulging tummy.

Causes

• A lack of exercise, an incorrect posture or frequent consumption of greasy, heavy-tasting food, can cause fat cells to accumulate on the tummy.
• Inactivity after a meal or overconsumption of calories in one sitting can also result in fat cells concentrating in one area, thus giving it a thick and bulging appearance.
• Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which affects the fat distribution, increasing the amount of fat stored around the organs.

Generally, women begin showing signs of a bulging tummy in their 20s. Treating it when one’s metabolic rate is high will ensure faster results.

Bulky thighs can be divided into 3 categories:

Category 1: Thighs are fleshy and lack tautness with skin that appears loose.

Category 2: Thighs are considerably firm but will appear heavy with no defined contour.

Category 3: Signs of swelling which can be attributed to water retention after long hours of sitting or standing still. This happens most often to working women who sit for long hours each day.

Causes

• Extra fat in the thigh area can be caused by the presence of too many fatty cells.
• Bulky thighs can sometimes be hereditary, as body shapes and types are genetic.
• Poor eating habits, overeating or eating too fast can lead to nutrition-caused fat accumulation thighs.
• Lack of exercise, sitting for long periods of time and incorrect postures can slow down metabolism, affecting blood and lymphatic circulation. This can lead to the accumulation of fat and water on the thigh areas.

Research shows that thigh fat is metabolically less active than fat in other parts of the body. To burn fat in this area, the body needs a metabolic boost with professional fat burning treatments.

A sagging butt refers to one that lacks muscle definition in the gluteus maximus, the large muscles in the buttocks. Ideally, buttocks should have firm and taut muscles, giving the appearance of definition. However, long hours of sitting at work cause excessive fat cells to accumulate between the gluteal muscles and the external layer of skin, causing the buttocks to take on a saggy appearance.

Causes

• With age, the gluteal muscles, as with every other muscle in the body, lose their strength and tone.
• Lack of exercise causes excess body fat to accumulate between the gluteal muscles and external layer of skin.
• Sitting down or staying in one posture for too long causes a large amount of fat cells to accumulate in the buttock area.

Besides regular exercises, professional treatments which help to tone and firm up the muscles in the buttock area will help to improve its overall appearance. For optimal results, seek treatment as early as possible, before the muscles lose their strength and natural elasticity.