A Weighty Issue

By: Ruth Donnelly
Created on 11th October 2010

If you’re having trouble shedding those extra pounds but can’t face going under the knife, Alizonne Therapy might be just the answer you’ve been waiting for...

Do you feel as though life is one long battle to achieve and maintain a healthy weight? If so, you’re not alone. The most recent report from the NHS (published in February 2009) shows that, in 2007, 24 per cent of UK adults were classified as clinically obese (with a BMI of 30 or more), with 41 per cent of men and 32 per cent of women labelled as ‘overweight’ (with a BMI of 25-30), and these figures are rising steadily.

We’ve all seen the shock documentaries following morbidly obese patients through the trauma of drastic weight loss surgery, and it doesn’t look like an attractive prospect. However, traditional methods of dieting result in a lowering of the body’s metabolic rate, making it more and more difficult to lose weight – a phenomenon most yo-yo dieters know as the ‘plateau’ effect.

It seems like something of a catch 22 – we can either spend thousands of pounds and risk our lives through invasive surgery, or continue the endless cycle of dieting and self-denial, without ever reaching our target weight.

However, Dr Simon Connolly, of Regency Medical Clinic in Glasgow, believes he has the answer to your problems with a revolutionary solution to the problem of excessive weight, which not only enables you to reliably and quickly achieve your ideal weight and to stabilise it at that new level, but at the same time re-shapes and contours your body, smoothes the subcutaneous tissue and firms and tightens skin, without surgery.

The treatment is called Alizonne Therapy, and has been developed over several years by Dr Claudia van der Lugt, an internationally renowned medical specialist in the treatment of overweight patients.

“Alizonne was introduced to me by Dr Mark Palmer, whom I had known professionally for many years and who is part of the BACD,” says Dr Connolly. “Because the results are so outstanding I would not have believed the claims had it not been for someone as ethical and reliable as Mark introducing me to it. I actually met many Alizonne patients when visiting his clinic in Leeds, so I could see the results for myself.”

How does Alizonne Therapy work?

“It addresses the three key issues of weight loss,” Dr Connolly explains, “which are: correct nutrition, adequate water intake and the targeting of fat; specifically stubborn fat.”

Initially, several detailed investigations are performed. These include important blood tests, accurate computerised measurements of your resting metabolic rate and detailed measurements of your body composition.

Each patient will visit the clinic weekly for their treatments. At this visit the therapist will check weight loss and discuss any problems or issues with the programme. The patients are also seen by Dr Connolly every six weeks and at other times if they are struggling. The Alizonne Therapy itself contains three essential elements:

Alizonne Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound treatments are given weekly to break down the fat stores under the skin. This is the same technology as is used in hospitals to break up kidney stones, but the frequency and energy used in Alizonne Ultrasound Therapy are specifically tuned for the treatment of subcutaneous fat cells.

Alizonne Skin Therapy

Skin treatment is also given weekly, using specialised equipment specifically designed for the purpose. The skin is vigorously but painlessly stimulated with specific techniques. The effect of this is to stimulate fibroplast cells to produce new collagen and elastic fibres, which in turn causes contraction, firming, increase in elasticity and tightening of the skin.

Hardened tissue under the surface of the skin is also broken down, resulting in the texture of the layers under the skin becoming much smoother. The lymphatic drainage of the protective tissue is also improved so that the fat broken down by the ultrasound treatment is removed to be metabolised.

Nutritional Therapy

A special nutritional plan is prescribed, which is uniquely formulated to the patient’s needs. This alters the control of the body’s metabolism to cause quick and constant breakdown of stored fat. The patient’s eating plan is accurately followed through several phases and results in metabolic changes to the body which cause rapid and continuous weight loss.

Supplements are also prescribed to maintain the body’s chemistry in optimum balance while it is burning up the stored fat. The fat released from the ultrasound treatments is important as it provides an additional source of fuel for the body to use as energy during the treatment. Food must be taken at least five times per day and the eating plan is precisely formulated to keep blood sugar levels stable at all times, eliminating symptoms of hunger, weakness, discomfort or fatigue.

Dr Connolly believes it is the combination of these three treatment programmes that makes Alizonne Therapy so effective. “Quite simply, without the nutrition programme being adhered to there is not a significant weight loss and without the ultrasound and endermologie you cannot mobilise the stubborn fat deposits,” he explains. “Ultrasound and endermologie also promote skin tightening, so you are not left with slack skin after weight loss.”

Stabilisation and Maintenance Treatment

“Once at target, the patient spends four weeks phasing off the diet and then has a final review by the doctor,” says Dr Connolly. “At this review the metabolic rate is checked and the doctor will provide a diet plan based not only on the calorie requirements, but also how many grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates should be eaten to make up this total.

“Thus the patient has a clear guide to maintaining their weight long term. We also offer sixweekly reviews with the therapist in the first year to assist with any returns to bad habits.”

So why don’t more clinics offer Alizonne Therapy?

“The programme needs a very strong focus, understanding and a supportive approach to patients,” Dr Connolly explains. “It must be undertaken in a strict fashion and thus only the most committed doctors with the correct facilities will be invited to join the Alizonne partnership.”

With claims of a remarkable six to 12 kilogram monthly weight loss, coupled with body contouring treatments, it seems Alizonne really could be the answer to your prayers – and if, at the end of the treatment, you feel your face could do with a boost to match your new svelte physique, Dr Connolly also offers a selection of facial aesthetic treatments to help you achieve a picture perfect look from head to toe.

“The Alizonne programme has made a total difference to my life style and confidence levels; and it’s been so easy to stick to! “I never felt hungry and the diet has easily fitted in with my busy lifestyle. The weight just dropped off. I would recommend the programme to anyone who has problems with their weight. I am just delighted with my progress and grateful that I discovered Alizonne before taking a more drastic approach.” – Justine lost 5 stone 3 lbs in 35 weeks