Phospholipids do not have lipolytic activity. A critical review

Abstract

This article re‐examines and refutes the theories of intra‐adipocyte lipolysis activated by phosphatidylcholine and by phospholipids in general, when injected into adipose tissue to reduce localized adiposity. These theories have not been confirmed and at times they conflict with current, although incomplete, knowledge relative to adipocyte metabolism. In particular, those regarding adipose tissues with little‐known biochemical characteristics such as the primary localized adiposities. The use of the term ‘lipolysis’ is considered inappropriate; instead, these types of treatments should be indicated by the term ‘adipocytolysis’, given the demonstrated lytic activity of sodium deoxycholate on cell membranes, whose action, if not unique, is certainly prominent.

• Deoxycholate
• fat pad
• lipolysis
• phosphatidylcholine
• phospholipids