What is the active ingredient in TGL Slim (phosphatidylcholine) injectable?

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Last updated: November 13, 2025View editorial policy

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TGL Slim Injectable Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in TGL Slim injectable is phosphatidylcholine, a naturally occurring phospholipid that has been used for subcutaneous fat reduction through its solubilizing agent deoxycholate, which is the actual adipolytic component.

Primary Active Component

  • Phosphatidylcholine is marketed as the main ingredient in injectable fat reduction products, typically formulated at concentrations of 50-250 mg/mL 1, 2, 3.
  • The therapeutic effect is primarily mediated by deoxycholate, a detergent used to solubilize phosphatidylcholine, which has direct adipolytic (fat-destroying) properties rather than lipolytic effects 4.

Mechanism of Action

  • Phosphatidylcholine is a lecithin-derived phospholipid that functions as a structural component of cell membranes 5.
  • When injected subcutaneously, the deoxycholate component acts as a detergent that disrupts adipocyte cell membranes, leading to localized fat reduction 4.
  • The compound was initially developed for treating atheroma plaques in cardiac diseases before being repurposed for cosmetic fat reduction 1.

Clinical Formulations

  • Standard injectable formulations contain phosphatidylcholine at 50-250 mg/mL concentration 1, 3.
  • The product is administered via subcutaneous injection into localized fat deposits 1, 2.
  • Treatment intervals typically range from 1-2 weeks between applications, with 3-5 treatments commonly required 1, 3.

Important Clinical Considerations

  • Localized adverse effects occur in most patients but are predominantly mild: swelling (most common), erythema, burning/stinging, pain, tenderness, and bruising 2.
  • Systemic side effects occur in approximately 3% of patients, including diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and intermenstrual bleeding, with most being very mild to mild in severity 2.
  • Efficacy varies significantly: 70-80% of patients report improvement, but 20-30% may be non-responders 3.
  • Duration of effect is variable: 50% maintain benefit long-term (average 9 months follow-up), while 30% show no response 3.

Safety Profile

  • Over 10,000 treatments have been documented with only 0.14% experiencing unexpected, unusually severe, or prolonged adverse reactions, all of which were self-limiting and non-serious 2.
  • The treatment has been in safe use for over 30 years when administered by specifically trained physicians 2.

References

Research

Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat.

Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2003

Research

Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review.

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 2004

Research

Injectable agents affecting subcutaneous fats.

Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 2015

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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