The Double Chin Research Study writes thats submental refers to the area which is underneath your chin. Submental fat is fat which has accumulated under the chin. This is a common phenomenon which can often occur in individuals who are not otherwise overweight. This area around the neck has been found to often be resistant to weight reduction measures. Excess fat which is under the chin can also be referred to as a “double chin” because the person appears to have two chins. In an article today, March 2, 2013, Kristina Fiore has reported for MedPage Today, Drug Trims Fat from Double Chin.
Researchers have reported an injectable drug may help patients get rid of excess fat under the chin without surgery. Susan Weinkle, MD, has reported in an interim analysis of a phase III trial, about 87% of the patients had significant reductions in submental fat with the investigational agent ATX-101. Weinkle has said submental fat "is an important thing to people and it makes a huge difference, which is why this product ... if it has the opportunity to come to the market, will make a big impact for our patients." Weinkle has also said that patients who are disappointed with this aspect of their appearance, but who are hesitant to have a surgical procedure, may benefit from an injection-based alternative.
This drug is synthetically-derived deoxycholic acid, which is a bile acid. The drug prompts adipocytolysis, in which the fat cells rupture and are removed by macrophages. Weinkle has said this mechanism doesn't decrease fat, as is seen with lipolysis, but instead permanently destroys the fat cell. Wienkle has concluded that ATX-101 appears to be well tolerated and effective at reducing submental fat, and this therefore "may very well provide, in the future, an approach to submental fat for our patients who are so unhappy with this part of their body."
