This review found that phosphatidylcholine injections (often called fat-dissolving injections) do show some effectiveness at removing small pockets of fat, but the results come mainly from the deoxycholate ingredient acting as a detergent that breaks down fat cells—not from phosphatidylcholine itself. Most claims about mesotherapy for fat or cellulite removal lack solid peer-reviewed evidence, despite being popular in Europe and Brazil.

Researchers searched published medical literature and conference proceedings to compare mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injection treatments, separating hype from actual clinical evidence.

Funding not disclosed in abstract