Does Liposuction Cause Weight Loss? What Science Actually Says About Fat Cells
Think liposuction helps you lose weight? Here's what fat cells actually do after the procedure, and how GLP-1s medications can help you with weight loss.
August 16, 2026
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WEIGHT LOSS & MANAGEMENT IN SINGAPORE
Losing weight is not a simple equation of eating less and moving more.
While an energy imbalance is the underlying cause of weight gain, the factors that contribute to it, including hormonal changes, genetics, age, and underlying health conditions, vary significantly from person to person.
At Amaris B. Clinic in Singapore, weight loss is approached as a medical concern rather than solely as an aesthetic goal. The programme is led by Dr Ivan Puah, who holds a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine.
Built around each patient's individual profile, he will identify root causes, provide evidence-based guidance on nutrition and lifestyle, and, where appropriate, incorporate medical intervention.
The aim is gradual, sustainable progress, and not a dramatic short-term weight loss to achieve a meaningful shift that supports long-term health and enhanced quality of life.
Book a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah at Amaris B. Clinic in Singapore today.
DEFINITION OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
The World Health Organisation's (WHO) latest reports[1] reveal a sobering truth – over 2 billion adults worldwide now carry excess weight, with nearly 800 million living with obesity. This isn't just a statistic, it's a global health crisis.
Every extra pound grinds down joints, escalating osteoarthritis risk and affecting quality of life. Carrying extra weight does more than change how clothes fit.
It also fuels life-altering health challenges like:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Strokes
Here's what we know at Amaris B. Clinic: True transformation isn't about chasing smaller digits on a scale. It's about rebuilding your body's resilience and ultimately improving the quality of life!
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Overweight and obesity are defined as having excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.
BMI Formula = kg/m2
(Where kg is a person’s weight and m2 is their height in metres squared)
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult is considered:
- Underweight: BMI is < 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI is between 18.5 - 24.9
- Overweight: BMI is ≥ 25
- Pre-obese: BMI is 25 - 29.9
- Obesity: BMI is ≥ 30
What leads to overweight and obesity?
An energy imbalance between calorie intake and calorie output is the fundamental cause of overweight and obesity.
For example, when your food intake is high in fat and sugars coupled with physical inactivity OR when you eat more required calories, your body converts and stores the extra calories as body fat.
The good news is that being overweight and obese is preventable.
Losing weight requires willpower and dedication and, more importantly, making appropriate lifestyle changes and adopting the right methods.
HEALTH BENEFIT OF WEIGHT LOSS
The main motivator for those who want to lose weight is to improve overall health, lower the risks of chronic disease, enhance self-confidence and improve their quality of life, such as mood, sleep and energy level.
According to clinical data, an average weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of the body weight can significantly improve blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol[2].
Scroll to view the table
| Diagnosis | Weight loss targets | Expected outcome [3] |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-diabetes | 10% | Prevent the onset of T2DM |
| T2DM | 5% - 15% |
|
| Dyslipidemia | 5% - 15% |
|
| Hypertension | 5% - 15% | Lower blood pressure decrease in medications |
| GERD | ≥ 10% | Reduced symptoms |
| Fatty liver disease | 10% - 40% | Reduction in liver fat and inflammation |
| Osteoarthritis | 5% - 10% or more | Improve joint pain when coupled with exercise |
| Sleep apnoea | 7% - 11% | Decrease apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) |
| PCOS | 5% - 15% |
|
Remarks:
- GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- HDL: High density lipoprotein
- LDL: Low density lipoprotein
- NAFLD: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Based on Dr Ivan Puah’s experience in helping patients lose the extra kilos over the years, he concluded that patients who embarked on weight loss in a gradual manner (0.45kg to 0.9kg loss/week) are more likely to keep it off than those who lose a drastic amount of weight within a short period.
UNDERSTANDING ENERGY BALANCE AND CALORIES
Our bodies need nutritional energy such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins so that our vital organs can function properly. We fuel our bodies with energy when we eat and drink, which is used up through everyday movement.
How many calories will I need?
To maintain a stable weight:
ENERGY (IN) = ENERGY (*USED)
*For normal bodily functions/physical activity
When we talk about maintaining a healthy diet, it means balancing the energy one puts into the body with the energy used.
According to Health Promotion Board Singapore, the daily calorie intake for most females is 1800 kcal.
For most males, the daily calorie intake is 2200 kcal. However, factors such as age, gender, physical activity level and body size also affect the amount of calories your body will need to keep going.
Can you explain what calories are?
A calorie is a unit used to measure the energy value of food.
Your body will require fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water to function properly. Carbohydrates and protein yield 4 calories per gram, while fat yields 9 calories per gram.
To lose weight, an individual will need to consume FEWER calories than the body needs each day.
AMARIS B’S WEIGHT LOSS & MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
1. Consultation
Dr Puah will:
- assess patient’s health condition
- discuss detailed weight loss goals
- develop an appropriate plan
2. Patient education
To lose and maintain weight effectively, Dr Puah believes that when patients should have the:
- right knowledge
- fact-based information
- science-based approach
- accurate data of their body composition (with DEXA Scan)
3. Root cause
Weight loss is more complex than just calories in and out. Factors that play a part in the energy imbalance:
- hormonal changes
- genetics
- health condition
- age
4. Medical intervention
The programme incorporates medical interventions.
Oral or injectable metabolic medications like GLP-1 medications that help to suppress the neuroendocrine pathway for a more sustainable weight loss.
5. Holistic approach
A holistic approach to weight loss encompasses a body, mind and health approach.
MLD can help:
- Improve your digestive system
- Stimulate blood flow
- Improve lymphatic fluid flow
- Calm your nervous system
6. Skin care
Gaining and losing weight quickly can stretch the skin, leading to sagginess, stretch marks and cellulite like the waist and thighs.
This calls for skin treatments such as:
- Lasers
- Medical-grade skin peels
- Ultherapy
IS WEIGHT LOSS THE SAME AS FAT LOSS?
We often have patients asking this question, and understandably, it is easy to confuse the two. After all, isn’t losing weight and losing fat too?
In essence, weight loss indicates an overall body weight reduction from muscle, fat and water and a drop in your kilo weight. Fat loss is a reduction of fat mass.
Difference between subcutaneous fat vs viscreral fat
Fat tissue (aka adipose tissue) is responsible for storing fat (triglycerides) in our body.
Subcutaneous fat is the soft, pinchable fat under the skin.In comparison, intra-abdominal fat (visceral fat) is out of reach and packs around internal organs.
Under the influence of sex hormone production, males store more visceral fat, while women store more subcutaneous fat.
WHY AM I LOSING WEIGHT BUT MY ARMS STILL CAN’T SLIM DOWN?
Weight loss can improve your overall health and fitness level and give you more energy.
However, you can’t dictate the body to burn more fat or slim down on the specific body parts you want to.
Liposuction for targeted fat loss
Liposuction is the solution to get rid of the localised fat that does not respond to diet or workout.
This body contouring procedure can help remove stubborn and excess subcutaneous fat for a slimmer and more contoured physique. It can remove fat from the face, arms, armpits, male chest, back, belly, waist, hips, thighs, knees and calves.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FAD DIETS
It’s purported that a fad diet can encourage rapid weight loss, which is enough to make many people overlook that there is not much scientific evidence behind its claims.
Followers of fad diets often find themselves having to submit to a regime that includes restrictions on what and when certain foods should be consumed. These often involve consuming unnecessary and expensive food items and/or supplements. There is no bullet magic when it comes to weight loss.
Weight loss should be done correctly because shortcuts and cutting corners can lead to potentially severe outcomes.
Other red flags to look out for include the following:
Eating only one type of food
Cutting out a type of food may be recommended for medical reasons but consuming only one type is inadvisable.
No one food group can fulfil a body’s needs.
promise of rapid weight loss
Rapid weight loss can be detrimental to a person.
The body will go into chaos mode to deal with the hyper loss, which can lead to many other health issues.
A generic diet plan
We are unique, so should our weight loss plan.
Understanding our body is crucial so that a tailored program can be drawn up to achieve true success - safely.
Weight loss is solely about appearance
Undoubtedly, looking good helps raise a person’s confidence.
Still, a real weight loss program should always include their well-being beyond what’s on the outside.
Unclear or no scientific evidence support
This is very important because any claim that can make a person healthier, such as weight loss, should always be backed by clear scientific evidence and/or proof.
Others
One should consult an expert before embarking on a weight loss plan.
The first step is to arrange for a consultation to understand your body. The goal is to lose weight without compromising your wellbeing.
DEXA BODY COMPOSITION SCAN: MEASURE BODY FAT, MUSCLE & BONE DENSITY
The Amaris B. Weight Loss & Management Program is multi-pronged. It includes dietary modification, personalised nutrition counselling, DEXA Scan, fitness recommendations and weight loss medications like GLP-1.
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a 15-minute, non-invasive, low-dose X-ray test that measures your body fat, lean muscle mass, bone density and visceral fat with medical-grade precision. It is widely regarded as a reference method for body composition because it shows where fat and muscle sit in your body, which a weighing scale or BMI cannot.
WHAT DOES A DEXA BODY COMPOSITION SCAN MEASURE?
Scroll to view the table
| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Fat mass and body fat percentage | Total fat in your body and what proportion of your weight it makes up |
| Lean mass | Muscle and non-fat tissue overall, and in the arms and legs. This is important for tracking strength and sarcopenia risk |
| Fat Mass Index | Fat relative to height, reported for the arms, legs and trunk |
| Regional fat distribution | Fat in specific body areas |
| Android/gynoid ratio | Abdominal (android) versus hip and thigh (gynoid) fat |
| Trunk-to-limb ratio | Balance of fat between the torso and limbs. |
| Visceral adipose tissue | Fat stored around internal organs, linked to metabolic risk |
| Bone mineral density | Bone strength and risk of low bone mass or osteoporosis |
What Happens During a DEXA Scan?
Tell the attending staff if you have any concern or feel any discomfort during the scan.
- Change into a hospital gown.
- Lie still on the examination table.
- A scanning arm passes over your body using low-dose X-rays.
- The scan takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and most people feel no discomfort.
How to Prepare for a DEXA Scan
Clothing: You will be asked to remove your clothing and wear a hospital gown. Avoid wearing metal items, since they can interfere with results.
Fasting: Overnight fasting is required.
Supplements: Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan.
WHY THE SCALE ALONE CAN Be MISLEADing
Weight loss and fat loss aren't the same. The number on the scale reflects fat, muscle, bone, and water, so it cannot tell you what you actually lost. We aim to help you lose the right weight, mainly body fat, while protecting lean tissue like muscle.
Any time you lose weight, some of it comes from fat and some from lean mass. Lean mass includes muscle, but also water, organs and other tissue. Preserving muscle matters for more than appearance. It supports strength, mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing.
Two people can lose the same 5 kg with very different results.
Scroll to view the table
| Mostly fat loss | Fat + significant lean loss | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Down 5 kg | Down 5 kg |
| Body shape and strength | Leaner, strength maintained | Weaker, “softer” appearance |
| Metabolic and bone health | Supported | May be compromised |
| Risk of regaining weight | Lower | Higher |
By comparing scans over time, we can see whether your weight loss is coming mainly from fat or whether lean mass is slipping.
Dr Ivan Puah uses trend reading to guide decisions. This means he looks at the direction of change across your scans, rather than reacting to a single number.
Trends are more reliable than one-off readings because all body composition measures carry some variation.
For the most meaningful comparison, scans are best done on the same machine under similar conditions, such as fasting.
What Helps Preserve Lean Mass During Weight Loss?
Several factors influence how much lean mass you keep:
Nutrition: Adequate protein intake alongside a sensible calorie deficit.
Resistance exercise: Strength training is the strongest signal that tells your body to hold on to muscle.
Pace of weight loss: Very rapid loss can increase the risk of losing muscle.
Treatment choices: Different weight loss approaches, including medications such as GLP-1 injections, can affect body composition.
Your doctor will discuss the options that suit you.
Who Is DEXA Scan For?
- Anyone starting a structured weight loss programme
- Patients on weight loss medication, such as GLP-1 injections, who want to protect muscle mass
- Older adults, for whom keeping lean mass is especially important
- Anyone whose weight is stable but whose body shape is changing
EFFICACY OF GLP-1 MEDICATIONS
GLP-1 is a chemical name for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. It’s widely used by medical professionals for weight loss nowadays to help patients suppress the neuroendocrine pathway for more sustainable weight loss.
Studies have shown that exercise alone rarely results in more than 3% weight loss, whereas diet and exercise can achieve 5% to 15% weight loss. The highest proportion of weight loss (11.85%) was achieved with a combination of exercise, diet, and GLP-1 medications [4, 5].
HOW GLP-1 MEDICATION WORKS
Approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), GLP-1 medication slows digestion and reduces cravings. Imitating the GLP-1 hormone, a metabolic hormone secreted after food ingestion, it helps with weight loss by:
🍳 Slowing stomach emptying
🍞 Inducing satiety
🍦 Quelling food cravings
🍭 Improving insulin sensitivity
Offered in injection and tablet form, depending on the doctor's prescription, you take them weekly via injection or daily before you start your day.
Many clinical studies have shown that patients who combine a calorie-deficient diet, consistent HIIT workouts, and GLP-1 medications can achieve greater weight loss than those who adopt the strategy singularly or with other weight loss medications [6, 7, 8, 9, 10].
Who is a good candidate for GLP-1 medication?
A good candidate includes:
- High BMI (Obesity or overweight)
- Diagnosed with one weight-related medical problem
- No underlying health conditions
How safe are GLP-1 medications for weight loss
As with all medications, GLP-1 can cause side effects. This is why it is important to take such medications only under the doctor's close supervision, so you can attend follow-up consultations.
WHY GLP-1 MEDICATIONS SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN UNDER DOCTOR’S SUPERVISION
GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs originally approved for Type II diabetes, now widely prescribed for weight loss. They work by boosting the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which slows digestion, increases satiety, and, in diabetics, helps regulate blood sugar.
If taken without medical supervision, the rapid, significant weight loss can cause unwarranted facial volume loss, leading to hollowed cheeks, sunken temples, and looser skin, often called the "GLP-1 face."
DOCTOR-LED WEIGHT LOSS & MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
At Amaris B. Clinic, we understand the quest to shed extra weight can be daunting for many.
We provide tailored medical weight loss and management programmes prescribed by our medical director, Dr Ivan Puah, who holds a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine.
FAQ
What causes unintentional weight gain?
A decrease in estrogen can cause women in menopause to experience weight gain around the abdominal region and the hips.
Hormonal changes in your middle years can also cause your metabolism to slow down, leading to weight gain.
Other medical conditions affecting hormone levels can cause weight gain in both sexes.
Can an ovarian cyst cause you to gain weight?
Ovarian cysts can cause you to gain weight.
Some cysts are hormone-secreting cysts, which impact your health and weight.
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is also interrelated to metabolic issues. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain.
Why does weight keep increasing?
The usual suspect for weight gain is consuming more calories than your body needs and burns. But the underlying problem could be an unknown health condition.
What kind of food causes weight gain?
Foods that cause the most weight gain include french fries, potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks, fatty meat, processed meats, trans fat, potatoes, sweets and pastries.
Why can’t I lose weight despite exercising?
You lose weight in the kitchen but gain health in the gym. What you eat in private shows in public, so begin your weight loss journey from the kitchen.
Eating the right food depends on your blood type, metabolism and more. The safest bet is to consume au naturale whole food.
I dieted and lost weight but why do I feel weak and tired?
While being overweight and obese is bad for your health, losing weight too fast is equally detrimental to your health.
If you lose more than 1 kg a week for a sustained period, it is termed as "extreme weight loss."
You may notice that you feel cold frequently, your hair becomes brittle and falls off easily, and as your body is deprived of essential nutrients, feelings of weakness and fainting spells can occur.
Due to insufficient calorie intake, your energy level takes a hit, too, causing you to feel tired, moody and weak.
A drastic or extreme diet is strongly discouraged as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances (these are critical for cellular function), a loss of muscle mass, gallstone formation, and a decrease in metabolism rate.
I noticed that I lost weight, but I am not dieting. Should I be worried?
If you are experiencing unusual weight loss over six months and losing more than 10 percent of your body weight, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Medical conditions that could possibly lead to unusual weight loss include thyroid-related problems, rheumatoid arthritis, gut-related diseases, diabetes, cancer, or clinical depression.
Does sleep deprivation cause you to lose weight?
Sleep deprivation causes hormonal imbalance, and this can lead to weight gain. But for the modern woman, getting adequate sleep is a luxury few have.
It’s hard enough trying to juggle a successful career with other responsibilities. The last thing you need is excess weight pulling you back and slowing you down.
Can you lose muscle when you lose weight?
Yes. Some lean mass is usually lost with any weight loss, whether through diet, medication or surgery. The goal is to keep that loss as small as possible.
How can I lose fat and keep muscle?
Evidence supports combining resistance exercise with adequate protein and a sensible pace of weight loss. A doctor can personalise this and track your progress with body composition scans.
Why isn’t the weighing scale enough?
A scale reports total weight only. It cannot separate fat from muscle, bone or water, so it can’t show whether you are losing the right weight.
How does a DEXA scan help with weight loss?
It estimates how much of your weight is fat and how much is lean mass, and how these change between scans. This helps your doctor adjust your plan.
How often should I repeat a DEXA scan?
Your doctor will advise based on your goals and treatment. Scans are usually spaced weeks to months apart so that real changes can be told apart from normal variation.
Why am I not losing weight on GLP-1 medications?
You may have an underlying medical condition that you may not be aware of. Talk openly with your doctor or get a thorough health check-up.
What to expect after the first GLP-1 medication?
The first week after your initial injection is an important adjustment period as your body begins responding to the medication. Some individuals may notice changes in appetite, mild digestive symptoms, or gradual shifts in energy levels.
How long do you stay on GLP-1 medications?
Depending on your weight, metabolism and condition, the doctor will monitor your condition and ensure high patient safety and comfort.
What should I avoid while taking GLP-1 medication?
While there are no restrictions, certain foods can hinder long-term weight management goals, such as ultra-processed, fatty, sugary, alcoholic, sodas, and spicy foods.
What foods should I eat on GLP-1 medication?
Eat smaller but more balanced meals. Focus on adding more lean proteins, high-fibre foods, healthy fats, and water. We recommend limiting red meat intake, as it is high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium, which do not help weight loss.
Why am I still hungry on GLP-1 medication?
Hunger is a normal human sensation, and taking GLP-1 medication will not entirely diminish appetite; it just makes you feel full quicker and longer.
What medications cannot be taken with GLP-1 medication?
Do not take GLP-1 medication with medications that lower blood glucose. Your doctor will give you a thorough list of medications to avoid.
Reference
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
[2] Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC 24/7) https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1273437-overview
[3] Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, Garber AJ, Hurley DL, Jastreboff AM, Nadolsky K, Pessah-Pollack R, Plodkowski R; Reviewers of the AACE/ACE Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. American Association Of Clinical Endocrinologists And American College Of Endocrinology Comprehensive Clinical Practice Guidelines For Medical Care Of Patients With Obesity Executive Summary. Complete Guidelines available at https://www.aace.com/publications/guidelines. Endocr Pract. 2016 Jul;22(7):842-84. doi: 10.4158/EP161356.ESGL. PMID: 27472012.)
[4] Müller MJ, Bosy-Westphal A, Heymsfield SB. Is there evidence for a set point that regulates human body weight? F1000 Med Rep. 2010 Aug 9;2:59. doi: 10.3410/M2-59. PMID: 21173874; PMCID: PMC2990627.
[5] Wen, W., & Turrigiano, G. G. (2024). Keeping your brain in balance: homeostatic regulation of network function. Annual review of neuroscience, 47.
[6] Moore, P. W., Malone, K., VanValkenburg, D., Rando, L. L., Williams, B. C., Matejowsky, H. G., ... & Kaye, A. D. (2023). GLP-1 agonists for weight loss: pharmacology and clinical implications. Advances in therapy, 40(3), 723-742.
[7] Kanoski, S. E., Hayes, M. R., & Skibicka, K. P. (2016). GLP-1 and weight loss: unraveling the diverse neural circuitry. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 310(10), R885-R895.
[8] Ryan, D., & Acosta, A. (2015). GLP‐1 receptor agonists: Nonglycemic clinical effects in weight loss and beyond. Obesity, 23(6), 1119-1129.
[9] Astrup, A., Carraro, R., Finer, N., Harper, A., Kunesova, M., Lean, M. E. J., ... & Van Gaal, L. (2012). Safety, tolerability and sustained weight loss over 2 years with the once-daily human GLP-1 analog, liraglutide. International journal of obesity, 36(6), 843-854.
[10] Vosoughi, K., Roghani, R. S., & Camilleri, M. (2022). Effects of GLP-1 agonists on proportion of weight loss in obesity with or without diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Medicine, 35, 100456.
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