Yes, fat cells can be killed, but it's important to understand the nuances. While fat cells don't simply vanish during weight loss (as noted by Yale research: https://news.yale.edu/2015/03/02/study-new-fat-cells-are-created-quickly-dieting-cant-eliminate-them), they can be destroyed through several methods.
Methods of Fat Cell Destruction
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Liposuction: This surgical procedure physically removes fat cells from the body. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirms that liposuction permanently removes fat cells (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/can-fat-return-after-liposuction). However, remaining fat cells can still increase in size.
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Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): Procedures like CoolSculpting use freezing temperatures to damage and destroy fat cells. Harvard Health explains that cooled fat cells die after treatment (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-skinny-on-freezing-fat-2020031218990). The Cleveland Clinic also supports this, stating that damaged or destroyed fat cells are permanently removed (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21060-fat-freezing-cryolipolysis).
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Other Non-Invasive Methods: Dermatologists employ handheld devices or injections to destroy fat cells in non-invasive procedures (https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/fat-removal/non-invasive-what-to-expect). NYU Langone Health highlights a device that selectively kills fat cells (https://nyulangone.org/news/fat-melting-device-actually-works).
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Natural Cell Death: While not a direct "killing," a study by Dr. Christopher Newman suggests that approximately 10% of old fat cells die naturally each year (https://www.drchristophernewman.com/blog/are-fat-cells-forever/).
Important Considerations
It's crucial to understand that even with fat cell destruction, weight gain is still possible. The remaining fat cells can enlarge, and new fat cells can form. Furthermore, fat necrosis, the death of fat tissue due to injury, is a separate medical condition (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24187-fat-necrosis).
