It seems pretty easy to gain weight in Abu Dhabi but very difficult to shift it. Caitlyn Davey looks into a few therapies that claim to help you feel slim that little bit faster.
There is no quick fix to losing weight. If there was, everyone would do it. But when you have a special event to go to or want a bit of pampering to feel better about yourself, there are plenty of treatments around to help give you a head start. All weight loss treatments should be undertaken in conjunction with eating well and exercising regularly.
Fat cavitation
We tried this fat-blasting method at Awazen Clinic and Spa, opting to treat our pudgy stomach. It uses ultrasound technology to eliminate fat cells in the treated area. The idea is the machine emits ultra-sonic vibrations which cause fat cells to explode. It’s similar to the pregnancy ultrasound in feeling – there is a gel applied and a flat cool metal device is rubbed around the area for about an hour.
It’s gentle and non-invasive. We lie flat on our back and experience an unusual massage with the device, but it’s not uncomfortable at all. Attendees are recommended to have four sessions of this easy-going treatment for maximum effect. The clinically proven method melts down fat deposits in stored areas by emitting waves through the specially designed device. This service is offered in conjunction with a consultation with experts to ensure a holistic attitude. Afterwards, the difference isn’t immediately noticeable, but appears over a few weeks – it’s a longer term solution, which will also last longer, so requires a couple of sessions.
Awazen Clinic and Spa, Al Wahda Commercial Towers, Hazza Bin Zayed Street (02 441 1941).
Anti-cellulite massage
This treatment is designed to promote flow, and releases the fat deposits that cause cellulite. Often cellulite is a case of poor lymphatic drainage and/or poor circulation. This massage is designed to combat the effects and help the body better regulate itself.
We visited Dashing Nails in Khalifa City A to try this ‘not for the faint hearted’ treatment. The massage is a little uncomfortable, but as our therapist Ella says; ‘no pain, no gain’. The treatment is a mix of a massage and pressure applied to affected areas. Ella digs her powerful hands into our fatty areas, kneading and working the cellulite away. The idea is to release the stores of difficult-to-shift fat, crushing the protruding parts and get your blood pumping, and it certainly does that. Luckily, after the painful part, clients are rewarded with a soothing massage to wind down.
All is forgiven and the next day, lumpy areas seem far more toned than before. We recommend this, even for the cellulite-ridden faint-hearted because they will adjust pressure according to your pain-threshold (though the more pain the more effective, we are told) and the results are noticeable.
Multiple locations including Khalifa City A (02 553 1775), Delma Street (02 643 1011) and the Souk Central Market (02 491 5222). www.dashingllc.com.
Lipo-massage
This six-session treatment uses a non-invasive liposuction technique. The machine stimulates fat deposits turning them into fatty acids – making it easier for our body to turn it into energy rather than store it. The vacuum-like machine sucks and shakes areas of the body to get all the nasties, it feels like a massage of the treated areas.
We lie back and let the machine do its thing, massaging and sucking our tummy. It makes a difference in how we feel, with affected areas seeming a little tighter and more toned. This treatment is for people who have lost weight but just can’t seem to shift an area of fat.
Endermologie Lipomassage for the body costs Dhs290 per session when you buy six sessions, and Dhs260 (plus a free session for the face) when you buy 12 sessions, a single session is Dhs350. Endermolift for the face is Dhs210 per session when you buy six sessions, and Dhs190 each when you buy 12 sessions. A single session is Dhs250. Bellacure Nails, Shop 3, Golden Tower, Al Mamoura (02 658 4100).
