Abstract
The non-invasive reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat became popular in the last decade. Radiofrequency (RF), non-contact, selective-field device Vanquish® has been developed to selectively induce deep fat tissue heating to reduce waist circumference. Our analysis evaluates immediate and sustained effects of this treatment on cardiovascular autonomic function and on selected metabolic parameters. Study design/ patients and methods: A retrospective proof-of-concept analysis of RF treatment effects was conducted in 20 individuals with metabolic syndrome, to reduce the subcutaneous abdominal fat. Four 30-minutes treatment sessions (manufacturer´s standard protocol) were performed in 1-week intervals. Vital signs, ECG, lab screening, body composition, subcutaneous fat thickness and spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) have been examined before, after the 1 (st) and 4 (th) treatment, and at follow-up visits 1 month and 3 months after the treatment. The RF treatment led to a significant reduction of abdominal circumference after the 4 (th) session (p<0.001), and during follow-up after 1 and 3 months (p<0.001 and p<0.02, resp.). There was a significant correlation (r=-0.58, p=0.007) between reduction of abdominal circumference and initial very-low frequency (VLF) spectral power at 1 month follow-up. A significant increase of cumulative spectral power in low frequency (p=0.02) and reduction in high frequency (p=0.05) band have been observed immediately (20 +14 minutes) after the treatment. On the contrary, no sustained impact on autonomic balance has been recorded 39 +18 days after the treatment. A significant correlation between the initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to one treatment was observed in VLF and total spectral bands (r>0.59, p<0.04). Our analysis shows that the selective-field RF treatment is safe and efficient for reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat. While the treatment increases the immediate sympathetic response of the body to deep tissue heating, no sustained change in autonomic function could be recorded at 1 month follow-up. The observed correlation between initial VLF spectral power and waist circumference reduction at follow-up, as well as the association of initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to the treatment might be instrumental for decisions on body contouring strategies.
Highlights
Obesity considerably impairs individual health and aesthetic appearance
Central obesity is associated with insulin resistance and related components of metabolic syndrome that can be typically treated by nutritional, behavioural and lifestyle changes[1]
The treatment efficacy is inversely associated with insulin resistance and other features of metabolic syndrome and may be explained by the inhibitory effect of higher insulin levels on the lipolysis[32]
Summary
In addition to its known health impacts -- reduction of life expectancy and quality of life1 -- obesity leads to numerous problems including disadvantages in employment[2], in social interactions and decreased satisfaction with own body image[3]. These aspects lead to social pressure and subsequently to increased demand for effective procedures for weight reduction, body contouring and beauty enhancement. There was a significant correlation (r=-0.58, p=0.007) between reduction of abdominal circumference and initial very-low frequency (VLF) spectral power at 1 month follow-up. While the treatment increases the immediate sympathetic response of the body to version 1 published 20 Feb 2015
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