Conditions
Stubborn Fat
At Define Clinic, we offer advanced, non-surgical solutions to help reduce stubborn fat and sculpt a more contoured, confident silhouette.
Many people work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle but still struggle with stubborn fat that refuses to shift. This type of fat can affect confidence and body shape, often sitting in areas that don’t respond to diet or exercise. It is not a reflection of your effort or discipline, it is usually down to genetics, hormones and how your body stores fat.
What Is Stubborn Fat?
Stubborn fat refers to localised pockets of fat that remain despite a balanced diet and regular exercise. Unlike general body fat, stubborn fat tends to persist in specific areas and is often more resistant to natural fat loss processes. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, under the chin and around the bra line.
These fat cells are biologically different from other fat cells, often having more receptors that encourage storage and fewer that encourage breakdown. This is why these pockets of fat can be so difficult to target with lifestyle changes alone, even in people who are otherwise very fit and healthy.
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Causes & Symptoms
There are several key factors that contribute to stubborn fat. Genetics play a significant role, determining where your body prefers to store fat. Hormonal changes, especially during times of stress, ageing or metabolic shifts, can also make fat more likely to settle in specific areas.
Other common causes and symptoms include:
- Fat deposits that don’t change with weight loss.
- Areas that feel soft, padded or uneven to the touch.
- Loss of body contour in areas prone to pockets of fat.
- Frustration despite consistent exercise and healthy eating.
- Fluid retention that can exaggerate stubborn fat in certain zones.
These symptoms are very common and completely normal, but they can be difficult to manage without professional support.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATIONTreatments For Stubborn Fat At Define Clinic
At Define Clinic, we offer proven, non-surgical treatments designed to target stubborn fat in a safe and controlled way.
CoolSculpting®
One of the most popular treatments for fat reduction whereby controlled cooling is used to freeze and destroy fat cells, which are then naturally processed and removed by the body over time. This treatment is ideal for well-defined pockets of fat.
EMSCULPT NEO®
This treatment combines fat reduction with muscle toning, helping to strengthen and sculpt areas such as the abdomen, arms and thighs while also addressing stubborn fat.
Exilis
Another option using radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to tighten skin and help reduce fat in areas where skin laxity is also a concern.
For certain areas, particularly smaller pockets of fat, our team may recommend tailored combination treatment plans to achieve smoother, more sculpted results. Each plan is personalised following an in-depth consultation to ensure the best approach for your body and your goals.
FAQs
Can fat be removed without surgery?
Yes. Non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting® are highly effective.
Is stubborn fat the same as being overweight?
No. Even slim or athletic people can have stubborn fat.
How long does it take to see results?
Results typically develop gradually over several weeks to months.
Is treatment painful?
Most treatments are well tolerated with minimal discomfort.
Can stubborn fat come back after treatment?
Treated fat cells are permanently removed, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important.
REVIEWS
Don’t just take our word for it
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Five stars! The hygiene at Define Clinic London is immaculate, the calming ambiance made me feel at ease from the moment I walked in. The staff were professional and knowledgeable, guiding me through a quick microneedling treatment that delivered visible results. I loved the convenience of being able to book an appointment online and the easy access from public transport. If happiness had a location on Google Maps, it would be here. I will definitely be back for more skin boosters and recommend this clinic to anyone looking for top‑notch skincare.
Claire Gerring
2nd April 2026
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From the moment I arrived at Define Clinic Beaconsfield the experience was seamless. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, the clinic was spotless, modern and welcoming. I felt comfortable asking about microneedling near me and got clear advice. I left feeling confident and will definitely return.
Ollie O’Hanlon
2nd April 2026
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Karen McGuire
1st April 2026
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I recently visited Define Clinic in Beaconsfield after seeing the incredible results they shared of Ulrika on Instagram, and I can honestly say the experience with Dr Benji Dhillon, exceeded all expectations. From the moment I walked in, everything felt professional, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to put you at ease. The team were knowledgeable, attentive, and took the time to really understand what I was hoping to achieve. They explained every step clearly, which made me feel completely confident and comfortable throughout the process. And the results? Absolutely amazing. The outcome is natural, refined, and exactly what I had hoped for (if not better). It’s rare to find a clinic that combines such high standards of care with genuinely outstanding results, but Define Clinic truly delivers on both. A well-deserved 5-star experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering treatment.
Laura Goodfellow
1st April 2026
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I love the calming ambience at Define Clinic London. The staff are friendly and professional, the clinic is spotless and the atmosphere is soothing. The level of professionalism impressed me, and the attention to cleanliness gave me confidence. I felt well taken care of by every member of the team. I’m excited to return for my next treatment . Highly recommend.
clare barclay
1st April 2026
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I was really impressed by how clean the space was at Define Clinic London. The team were friendly, knowledgeable and made me feel relaxed and welcomed from the moment I walked in. They answered all my questions about microneedling for me in a clear and helpful way.
Lee Richards
1st April 2026
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Dr Arreni was incredibly warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to. What really stood out was how thoughtfully she talked me through my options. She took the time to understand exactly what I was hoping to achieve and offered honest, realistic guidance — including clear timelines for recovery — without ever making me feel rushed or pressured. There was absolutely no sense of upselling, just genuine care and professionalism.
For something like an injectables appointment, it was surprisingly enjoyable. I felt listened to, understood, and completely confident in her approach.
The journey to the clinic was 100% worth it, and I can confidently say I’ve found my go-to practitioner. I’ll definitely be returning as a long-term client and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone considering treatment.
Michelle Mikulsky
14th March 2026
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Friendly, thorough, transparent and offering excellent treatment – you know you’re in good hands here while the place feels not at all intimidating
Ingeborg van Lotringen
12th March 2026
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Dr Arreni was amazing! This was my first time getting any sort of work done and I couldn’t have been more happy with my results, Dr Arreni made sure everything was natural and just the way I wanted. I was made to feel comfortable throughout the entire process, which really eased any nerves I had. She was so nice and easy to talk to and I will 100% recommend her!
Jasleen Dhillon
9th March 2026
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I heard of Define Clinic through my workplace after they came and introduced their new clinic opening in Fitzrovia. I’ve always been interested in aesthetics and injectables but I find the market so oversaturated and it’s almost impossible to find a practitioner that you can trust and for the right price too.
I had my initial consultation with Dr Arreni for hyperpigmentation and under eye hollowness and she had a thorough chat with me about my skin goals and what she would suggest. We did a skin scan and she made a treatment plan for me which was emailed with pricing. The clinic also offers 0% financing which was great. I never felt like I was being pushed to buy anything and she was honest about expectations and told me what I would see with what treatment I would get. I decided to start with tear trough filler as that was my biggest concern and my appointment with Dr Arreni was smooth and pain free. She was extremely friendly and kind and made me feel at ease and I am overjoyed with the result. I feel like I can really trust her and her expertise as a skilled doctor and I will most likely keep this as my clinic of choice for all other treatments I would want in the future.
Shenhead
8th March 2026
Book Your Consultation Today
If stubborn fat is affecting your confidence or preventing you from achieving your body goals, the team at Define Clinic is here to help. We offer expert-led consultations to assess areas of fat and recommend the most effective, non-surgical treatment plan for you. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards calmer, clearer skin with Define Clinic.
