Lipogenesis

Lipogenesis is a multi-step biochemical process leading to the conversion of excess energy into storage fat. It occurs most intensively after the consumption of meals rich in carbohydrates, when the concentration of glucose and insulin in the blood rises. The body, after replenishing current energy needs and glycogen stores, begins storing excess energy in the form of adipose tissue.

The process begins with the conversion of glucose into acetyl-CoA – a compound that is the basic substrate for the synthesis of fatty acids. Then, with the participation of enzymes such as:

• fatty acid synthase,
• acetyl-CoA carboxylase,
• lipid desaturases,

long-chain fatty acids are formed. In the next stage, they are combined with glycerol, forming triglycerides stored in adipocytes.

Lipogenesis remains highly dependent on the action of hormones:

• insulin increases fat synthesis,
• glucagon and catecholamines inhibit the lipid storage process,
• cortisol can increase the deposition of adipose tissue, especially visceral.

Modern metabolic medicine emphasizes that chronically increased lipogenesis constitutes one of the key mechanisms of the development of:

• visceral obesity,
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
• metabolic syndrome,
• type 2 diabetes.

It is worth distinguishing lipogenesis from lipolysis. Lipogenesis is responsible for fat storage, while lipolysis is responsible for its breakdown and the release of energy.

Regular consumption of:

• sweets,
• sweetened beverages,
• glucose-fructose syrup,
• highly processed food,

leads to rapid spikes in insulin. This hormone activates enzymes responsible for fat synthesis and simultaneously inhibits the burning of fatty acids.

A particularly important role is played by fructose, which is metabolized mainly in the liver. Its excessive consumption can lead to increased de novo lipogenesis, which is the production of fat directly from carbohydrates.

Lack of movement limits glucose utilization by muscles, which increases the amount of substrates available for fat synthesis.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases triglyceride synthesis in the liver and promotes hepatocyte steatosis.

In clinical practice, it is observed that chronically increased lipogenesis often coexists with chronic low-grade inflammation, characteristic of obesity and metabolic diseases.

In the prevention of excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, the following are recommended:

• limiting simple sugars,
• reducing ultra-processed foods,
• increasing fiber intake,
• consuming products with a low glycemic index,
• adequate protein intake.

The following are particularly beneficial:

• vegetables,
• whole-grain products,
• healthy unsaturated fats,
• marine fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Increasing importance is also attributed to the rhythm of meal consumption. Research indicates that frequent snacking and late evening meals can increase lipogenesis.

In the case of localized excess adipose tissue, modern procedures of aesthetic medicine and highly specialized cosmetology, aimed at supporting body contouring, improving microcirculation, and stimulating tissue metabolism, are becoming increasingly important. These technologies affect adipocytes, the lymphatic system, and skin structure, thereby supporting the reduction of local fat deposits and improving tissue quality.

At the Embassy, the following are used, among others:

• cryolipolysis – a technology using controlled cooling of adipose tissue. Adipocytes exhibit high sensitivity to low temperatures, leading to their gradual apoptotic elimination and subsequent natural removal by the body;
• ICOONE® – an advanced multi-dimensional microstimulation technology using rollers with micro-holes. The treatment stimulates microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, and cellular metabolism, supporting the reduction of cellulite, edema, and local accumulations of adipose tissue;
• Coolwaves® – a technology of selective microwaves acting directly on adipose tissue and fibrous cellulite septa. The treatment supports cellulite reduction, skin tension improvement, and body contouring;
• LPG® endermologie – mechanical tissue stimulation using vacuum and massage rollers. The treatment improves microcirculation, enhances lymphatic drainage, supports lipolysis and cellulite reduction. Endermologie is used in both slimming therapies and those aimed at improving skin quality;
• radiofrequency (RF) – uses controlled heating of tissues to stimulate fibroblasts, improve skin tension, and activate metabolic processes in the subcutaneous tissue;
• shockwave – acoustic pulses that improve blood supply, tissue metabolism, and remodeling of collagen fibers. The therapy is particularly used in the reduction of fibrous cellulite and improving skin elasticity.

Combined technologies that integrate several mechanisms of action within a single therapy are also gaining popularity. Such procedures enable simultaneous action on adipose tissue, microcirculation, cellulite, and skin laxity.

These types of solutions include, among others:

• VelaShape® – a technology combining radio waves, vacuum, and mechanical massage. The treatment improves lymphatic drainage, stimulates tissue metabolism, and supports cellulite reduction and shaping of body contours;
• Body Mix – multimodal procedures utilizing the synergistic action of various technologies, such as lymphatic drainage, vacuum, radiofrequency, or mechanical stimulation. These types of therapies aim to improve tissue metabolism, reduce edema, and support body contouring processes.

Modern body contouring treatments can effectively support the reduction of localized adipose tissue and improve skin quality, however, the greatest effectiveness is achieved by combining them with a properly managed diet, physical activity, and treatment of metabolic disorders. Aesthetic procedures constitute an element of supportive therapy and do not eliminate the causes of excessive lipogenesis.