Many individuals would like to selectively lose fat from a specific area of their body. Thighs and buttocks seem to be the most frequent areas of concern for women, while the abdominal area and "love handles" are the chief concern for men. Cellulite is the popularized term to describe the dimpling and orange peel look that frequently accompanies fat tissue on the thighs of women.

Several studies have revealed that receptors on the surface of fat cells can be stimulated or inhibited, which may promote or inhibit the removal of fat. The three receptors involved in control of fat deposition/fat loss are the Beta-2 receptor, the Alpha-2 receptor, and the Adenosine receptor. The relative numbers of these receptors determines the lipolytic balance of these fat cells (the more Beta-2 receptors, the less fat deposit; the more Alpha-2 and/or Adenosine receptors, the more fat deposit). Estrogen promotes an increased number of Alpha-2 receptors (relative to Beta-2 receptors) on the fat cells of the hips and thighs, while promoting more Alpha-2 receptors on the trunks of men.

Based on several studies, at the Institute for Healthy Aging, we have developed a topical cream that contains compounds that stimulate the Beta-2 receptors, while inhibiting the Alpha-2 and Adenosine receptors. The result: daily application of this cream causes local loss of fat and improvement of cellulite.