Mesotherapy with
Phosphatidylcholine
(
or Lecithin )
How
it works
The
exact way lecithin works is uncertain. There are some theories
about
how it
may dissolve fat and cause weight loss.
This substance is naturally made by our bodies. Some of its functions are 1.) it helps
dissolve fat in the intestines, making it easier to absorb and 2.) it
regulates cholesterol metabolism. It is also found in our cells'
membranes. Once injected under the skin, lecithin may help dissolve the
fat inside our fat cells.
Fat
cells have receptors on their surfaces that detect several types of
chemical signals. Two of these receptors are called alpha-2-receptors
and beta-receptors. When the beta-receptors are triggered,
they tell fat cells to start breaking down the fat inside them. When
the alpha-2-receptors are activated, they turn off the beta-receptors.
These two receptors fight against each other. There are more
alpha-2-receptors in the hips an thighs, which make it more difficult
to break down fat there. Another theory is that phosphatidylcholine may simulate
the beta-receptors and turn off the alpha-2-receptors.
Pros
After
five weeks, most people notice a positive difference in the areas of
their bodies that received mesotherapy. They lost an
average of about 1 inch around the waist and about 0.7 inches at the
thigh.
Lecithin can be mixed in a substance called sodium deoxycholate to make it in
the liquid form. Studies have shown that there is fat loss in the body
areas where these injections were placed.
Along with
the body trimming, you may see a
lowering of your LDL (or bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing
your HDL (or good) cholesterol. It also has been shown to have some
some other protective functions.
Cons
Common
side effects are swelling, tenderness, and bruising. There can also be
infections. These are generally mild and resolve quickly. There is the
possibility of lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) being broken down into a
toxic substance called lysophosphatidylcholine. Heat and long-term
storage can also cause this breakdown. The general
side effects related to mesotherapy also apply. However, side effects
of lecithin mesotherapy have not been fully studied.
The injectable form does not have any FDA approved use. It is only sold by drug
companies in other countries, where it is marketed to treat
cardiovascular and liver disease. It's brand names are Lipostabil and
Essentiale. In the US, it may be obtained from compounding pharmacies that can
make the substance directly in the pharmacy.
Other comments
Some
studies have shown that sodium deoxycholate (the solution in which
lecithin is dissolved) was just as good at getting rid of fat as the
regular injections. This suggests that it may be that sodium
deoxycholate is what really beaks down the fat.
It
is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your
doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you.
Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all
exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people.
You need to discuss all these things with your physician before
starting any weight loss or exercise program.
This article was written by John
Vickery, MD.
References
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005 April
15;115(5):1420-4
Dermatol Surg. 2006 Apr;32(4):465-80
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