[Significant two-weeks clinical efficacy of an association between Massaciuccoli peat and sodium chloride water of Undulna Thermae measured on gynoid lipodystrophy in a group of overweight female].

BACKGROUND: Peloid has been popularly used as an effective base in cosmetic preparations, although its biologically-active materials and mechanisms on skin have not yet been fully determined. An association between Massaciuccoli peat and sodium chloride water of Undulna Thermae was evaluated as a 2-weeks therapy for gynoid lipodystrophy in a group of 30 overweight females (age: 20-50y, BMI: 25-35 kg/m2) by means of evidence based-medicine criteria.

METHODS: The modification of the body diameters was the primary end-point, and the variation of skinfold thicknesses, bioimpendance parameters, evaluation of skin elasticity, rated thermal contact to liquid crystals and measurement of subcutaneous fat tissue were the secondary end-points. It was asked, by visual-analog scale, for an opinion to the patients about effectiveness of treatment.

RESULTS: At the end of treatment, after 2 weeks, all body diameters significantly decreased in the intervention group (waist circumference: 91.95 +/- 8.94 versus 90.60 +/- 8.90 cm, p < 0.001). Moreover, total body water were significantly reduced in the intervention group (35.05 +/- 3.74 versus 34.38 +/- 3.41 l, p < 0.03). As regards skin elasticity (+5.52%, p < 0.001), significant improvements have been determined; subcutaneous perfusion was also improved and thickness of subcutaneous fat was significantly reduced (thighs delta = -1.3 mm, p < 0.01; abdomen delta = -4.6 mm, p < 0.001). Furthermore, response to the visual-analog scale was positive (7.55 +/- 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS: This treatment appears potentially useful in the clinical management of gynoid lipodystrophy in overweight females.