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Liposuction Does Not Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Oct 15;70(8):1550-1551.

Clinical Question: Does liposuction improve cardiovascular risk factor profiles in obese women?

Setting: Outpatient (specialty)

Study Design: Other

Synopsis: Researchers identified 15 obese women, eight with normal glucose tolerance (mean body mass index [BMI], 35.1 kg per m2) and seven with abnormal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean BMI, 39.9 kg per m2). Each woman had a series of metabolic parameters measured at baseline and again following large-volume liposuction.

The women had an average of 7.05 kg (15.5 lb) of fat removed during the procedure. No significant improvement occurred in the cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., blood pressure, lipid levels, plasma glucose level, plasma insulin) or on measures of inflammation after liposuction. Although the study was small, it was powered appropriately to find a statistically significant change in the outcomes reported.

Bottom Line: Liposuction of an average of 7 kg of abdominal fat does not improve cardiovascular risk factors, including measures of inflammation and insulin resistance. Diet and exercise are better solutions. (Level of Evidence: 4)

Copyright © 2004 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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