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Fat Reduction on Thighs
Fat on Women's Thighs Difficult to Mobilize Due to Estrogen-Induced Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor
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Fat Reduction on Thighs

The fat on women's thighs is more difficult to mobilize due to increased alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activity induced by estrogen. Lipolysis can be initiated through adipocyte receptor stimulation (beta adrenergic) or inhibition (adenosine or alpha-2 adrenergic) or by inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Since many women desire regional thigh fat loss, a series of clinical trials were initiated using one thigh as a double-blinded control.

Fat Reduction Trial #1
Five overweight women had injections of isoproterenol at intervals around the thigh three times a week for 4 weeks with diet and walking.

Fat Reduction Trial #2
Five overweight woman had ointment containing forskolin, yohimbine and aminophylline applied to the thigh five times a week for 4 weeks after hypertonic warm soaks with a diet and walking.

Fat Reduction Trial #3
Eighteen overweight women were divided into three groups of six and trial #2 was repeated with each agent alone vs. placebo using forskolin, yohimbine or aminophylline in separate ointments.

Fat Reduction Trial #4
Thirty overweight women had 10 percent aminophylline ointment applied to the thigh five times a week for 6 weeks with diet and walking. Chemistry panel, theophylline level and patch testing were performed.

Fat Reduction Trial #5
Twelve women had trial #4 repeated with 2 percent aminophylline cream without a diet or walking.

Fat Reduction Trial #6
Trial #5 was repeated with 0.5 percent aminophylline cream.

All trials except yohimbine ointment gave significantly more girth loss from the treated thigh. Chemistry panel showed no toxicity. Theophylline was undetectable and patch testing was negative. We conclude that topical fat reduction for women's thighs can be achieved without diet or exercise.

Source: Greenway FL, Bray GA, Heber D. Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Torrance, CA, USA. 1995

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