Is mesotherapy effective for weight loss?

Author: Olga Frolova.
2014-12-22

Mesotherapy is a method of alternative medicine. It involves the injection of an active substance directly into the problem area/organ. Mesotherapy has found especially wide application in cosmetology. To be honest, discussions about the effectiveness of this technique have not subsided in scientific circles until now. However, these debates do not concern mesotherapy for the body, particularly in correcting local fat deposits. The action of modern lipolytics (substances that destroy fat tissue) is well-studied, and their effectiveness is proven.

It is important not to confuse the correction of local fat deposits and cellulite with the treatment of excess weight. Even slender individuals can have "fat traps." This term, used in cosmetic jargon, refers to areas of the body where fat accumulates first and responds poorly to diet and training during weight loss. Due to impaired blood flow and, consequently, nutrition of the fat tissue, this phenomenon can be accompanied by lipodystrophy (or "orange peel effect").

The localization of fat traps is genetically determined. Usually, they become most pronounced during hormonal changes — during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. Most often, such deposits are found in the thighs ("jodhpurs") and buttocks, above the knees, or in the lower part of the torso, on the shoulders, and under the chin.

In such situations, mesotherapy can effectively help eliminate several extra centimeters from the problematic area. Typically, 3 sessions are conducted with an interval of about 2 weeks. This has a minimal impact on the patient’s weight overall, so the procedure can only be confidently recommended in the following cases:

• When "drying out" the body in athletes to "finish off" problem areas. By the way, training in the usual mode can be resumed immediately after the procedure.
• For people with a normal percentage of fat if it is disproportionately distributed throughout the body.
• At the end of a weight loss program, to target the "concentrate" of adipocytes in problem areas and reduce skin laxity.

Principle of Action of Mesotherapy

The name of the manufacturing company does not play a significant role. If the meso-cocktail contains phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate, it can be considered effective. The price difference among preparations with the same composition is due to cheaper ones being produced in smaller volumes or in less concentrated forms. A slight burning sensation after the injection is evidence that the product is genuine and effective.

Phosphatidylcholine (the same as lecithin) is an emulsifier, i.e., a substance that easily penetrates through the membrane of fat cells and literally "crushes" its contents into tiny droplets. Deoxycholate is a component of bile that allows the disruption of the cell's membrane to the extent that it can be disposed of along with its contents through the lymphatic system.

During general weight loss, only the volume of adipocytes (fat cells) changes, but not their number. However, after mesotherapy, the cell dies physically. Therefore, when gaining weight after the course of procedures, fat will accumulate not localized in the problematic area but distributed evenly throughout the body.

Possible Side Effects

The injections themselves are practically painless (the mesotherapy preparations often contain anesthetics). After them, lumps may form at the injection sites that can last more than a week. They need to be kneaded and massaged independently, while mild inflammation and swelling may occur in the tissues. This is a normal reaction to the introduction of fat-burning cocktail. The intensity of the inflammatory response affects the effectiveness of the procedure. In rare cases, the reaction may get out of control, and only then may the doctor who performed the procedure prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.

As already mentioned, moderate pain, swelling, and lumps after the procedure are not indicators of the doctor's error. This list could also include the appearance of bruises, vascular stars, and allergic reactions. Affected vessels can be easily removed with a laser; however, predicting and preventing their appearance is practically impossible. Fortunately, such side effects are quite rare occurrences.

Speaking of the consequences of improper injection of the substance, the most serious (though unlikely) could be necrosis: the meso-cocktail dissolves the membranes of both fat cells and muscle tissue equally well. Moreover, standard contraindications exist where the procedure is relatively safe, but the doctor is unlikely to take responsibility for the consequences. These include pregnancy, lactation, and periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases in the patient.

The effect of mesotherapy on fat deposits is noticeable even without accompanying dietary restrictions, but after the procedure, it is advisable for the patient to maximize liver rest. This organ bears the entire burden of processing the contents of fat depots. Limiting fatty foods and alcohol for a week after the procedure is quite sufficient.