Evidence supporting the use of: Deoxycholic acid
For the health condition: Fatty Tumors or Deposits
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Deoxycholic acid is scientifically validated for the reduction of localized fat deposits, particularly in the treatment of submental fat (commonly known as a "double chin"). It is an FDA-approved injectable treatment under the brand name Kybella (ATX-101). Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid that naturally occurs in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats. When injected into subcutaneous fat, it disrupts the cell membrane of adipocytes (fat cells), leading to cell lysis and subsequent resorption of the released fat by the body’s natural metabolic processes.
Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that deoxycholic acid injections can significantly reduce the volume of submental fat compared to placebo, with a favorable safety profile when administered by a trained professional. However, its use is specific to subcutaneous fat deposits and not generalized “fatty tumors” such as lipomas. There is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of deoxycholic acid for benign fatty tumors (lipomas), and its use for this indication is not standard medical practice. The scientific support is robust for cosmetic reduction of localized fat (such as double chin) but not for the treatment of lipomas or other pathological fatty deposits.
In summary, deoxycholic acid has scientific backing for the targeted, localized reduction of fat deposits, but not for treating fatty tumors like lipomas.
More about Deoxycholic acid
More about Fatty Tumors or Deposits