Liposuction does not improve cardiovascular risk factors
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7466.0-g (Published 09 September 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:0-g
Question Does liposuction improve cardiovascular risk factor profiles for obese women?
Synopsis The researchers identified 15 obese women, eight with normal glucose tolerance (mean body mass index (BMI) = 35.1) and seven with abnormal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean BMI = 39.9). Each had a series of metabolic parameters measured at baseline, and again after large volume liposuction. This was not a little nip and tuck—the average patient had 7.05 kg (15.5 lbs) removed during the procedure. There was no significant improvement in the cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, lipid levels, plasma glucose, plasma insulin) or on measures of inflammation after the liposuction. Though the study was small, it was appropriately powered to find a statistically significant change in the outcomes reported.
Bottom line Liposuction of an average of 7 kg of abdominal fat does not result in an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, including measures of inflammation and insulin resistance. Diet and exercise are better ideas.
Level of evidence 4 (see www.infopoems.com/levels.html). Case series
Footnotes
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Klein S, Fontana L, Young VL, et al. Absence of an effect of liposuction on insulin action and risk factors for coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med 2004;350: 2549-57
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↵* Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters. See editorial (BMJ 2002;325: 983