Study: Carbon dioxide injections may reduce belly fat

Carbon dioxide injections or carboxytherapy may be a potential solution to reduce belly fat.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, trial testing of the new technique showed that it eliminates fat around the stomach.

However, the changes were modest and did not result in long-term fat reduction.

“Carboxytherapy could potentially be a new and effective means of fat reduction,” said lead author Murad Alam, vice chair of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“It still needs to be optimized, though, so it’s long lasting.”

Carboxytherapy is a “safe, inexpensive gas, and injecting it into fat pockets may be preferred by patients who like natural treatments,” Alam said.

“Non-invasive fat reduction has become increasingly sought-after by patients.”

Current technologies routinely used for non-invasive fat reduction include cryolipolysis, high-intensity ultrasound, radiofrequency, chemical adipocytolysis and laser-assisted fat reduction.

“If carboxytherapy can provide prolonged benefits, it offers patients yet another noninvasive option for fat reduction,” Alam said.

“But we don’t feel it’s ready for prime time.”