Ara Mina has found an effective way to shed off those unwanted pounds.

For several months, she underwent a slimming program—a combination of fat-burning and toning treatments-courtesy of Allura Slimming Center, which she endorses.

The result, as of November 15—she has lost 17 pounds.

From 147 pounds, she's down to 130 pounds. Her waistline shrank by four inches. She now wears size 25 jeans.

She credits the weight loss to Thermolipolysis-defined by bodycare.com as a "fat burning process, which is activated by the increased body temperature and metabolic rate; an increased thermolipolytic action of the infrared works from the deep fat layers to the superficial tissue layers (dermis)."

The patient wears a thermal body suit and lies down inside a heated machine for 30 minutes. It's like having a dry sauna inside a capsule.

The treatment tends to increase one's metabolism, and its effect is equivalent to three to seven hours of running.

"Kasi ako, I don't sweat a lot, e. That's the problem of my body," says Ara during the clinic's thanksgiving dinner held at its Timog Avenue branch.

"And minsan kasi ang nakakataba sa atin is yung water retention.

"Pero kapag nasa capsule ka, bukod doon sa pinapabilis niya yung metabolism mo, sobrang grabe talaga yung pawis mo.

"Sobrang hapung-hapo ka na para ka ring nag-exercise."

The treatment, according to Allura's in-house doctors, is also recommended for people with heart condition because it reduces the deep visceral fat, which is found inside the abdomen and around the internal organs.

And for people who don't like working out in the gym (like Ara Mina), the treatment works best if combined with proper diet and minimal exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, which will not put a strain on the heart.

"Before, three times a week ako dito, tapos once a week na yoga," says Ara.

"Ngayon twice a week na lang ako kasi sabi nila, 'May tatanggalin pa po ba kaming fats?'