There is absolutely no doubt that the key to feeling healthy, and if necessary, losing weight, is a combination of a regular exercise programme and a healthy and balanced diet.

For many women, this is all that is required for them to feel good, look great and optimise their lives.

Others may want to go a step further in trying to get rid of excess body fat. A number of options are available, including non-surgical fat removal using ultra-sound technology.

Technology now exists to blast fat cells using ultra-sound energy. The treatment is painless but requires calorie restriction and exercise.  This is essential to get optimal results.

Five ultra-sound treatments (each lasting 90 minutes) to the tummy will shrink the circumference of the abdomen by an average of 4.5 centimetres.

Ultra-sound treatment forces fat cells to release their contents into the lymphatic system. From here the triglycerides (fat cell contents) travel to the liver.

The liver then uses the triglycerides as a source of energy (hence the need to restrict calories). If the fat is not used by the liver, it may be stored somewhere else in the body.

The other option some people consider is liposuction. This is something both men and women are turning to in an effort to rid themselves of unwanted body fat.

In a four hour procedure under local anaesthetic, it is possible through liposuction to reshape the mid-drift, or to reduce the size of the thighs to a more desired shape.

This procedure may result in the removal of anywhere from 2 litres to 5 litres of fat.

Liposuction is excellent for reshaping body areas but it does not result in large weight loss.

It is important to combine any liposuction procedure with a wellness programme incorporating diet, exercise and possibly, bio-identical hormone replacement (if deficient).

For more information on liposuction or ultra-sound technology, go to: www.liposuction-institute.co.nz