Your body stores fat in a pattern that is largely set by your genes. Some areas, such as under the chin, the abdomen, love handles, hips, inner and outer thighs and upper arms, can hold on to fat even when you eat well and exercise regularly.

If you are at or close to a healthy weight but are bothered by a small, stubborn area like this, a consultation with Dr Pratish is the place to start.

Your consultation

Dr Pratish will take a full medical history, examine the area that concerns you and talk through what you would like to achieve. He will explain whether treatment is appropriate for you and, if it is, the options available, how they work, the likely results, the risks and the aftercare.

Some of these options involve prescription-only medicines. These are only ever considered after a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber, and only where they are clinically suitable for you. Treatment for stubborn fat is not a weight-loss treatment, and it is not right for everyone; Dr Pratish will always give you honest advice, including when treatment is not the best option.

Areas commonly assessed

• Under the chin

• Abdomen and love handles

• Hips and back

• Inner and outer thighs

• Upper arms