Launched in the UK in May, the Scala Bio-Fir underpants, which make the bold claim of being able to melt cellulite and inches away from the thighs, backside and abdomen, have officially become the hottest item of the type, the Daily Mail says. John Lewis, the department store where the knickers are available, is equally stunned by women’s reaction to the product – and, of course, en route to making another batch available.

Figures made public by the British newspaper indicate that, indeed, the anti-cellulite knickers are officially the best selling item of the kind this year. Not only do the underpants boast of being able to literally melt fat away, but they can also be worn underneath clothes (say, body hugging items) to create the impression of slimmer, better toned curves. A new batch of 40,000 such underpants is to become available at John Lewis shortly.

A representative from the store is telling the Mail that the Scala Bio-Fir underpants are officially its best selling lingerie item, with the first batch selling out in just hours after becoming available. From what other reports in the British media are saying, this time, things will be no different, with over 4,000 women signing up for the newsletter announcing them when the product can be found again on store shelves. “This product has created a real phenomenon among women, with customers buying as much as 10 pairs each.” Helen Spencer of John Lewis tells the Mail.

As we were also telling you a while back, the underpants work magic in terms of melting cellulite away, because their fabric contains crystals. These crystals heat up in contact with the skin, which, in turn, improves circulation and stimulates the melting of the fat stored there, which is later eliminated by the liver. Research has shown that four out of five women who have tried the Scala Bio-Fir knickers reported inches lost in the problematic areas (thighs, buttocks and abdomen) and less cellulite.

The knickers are supposed to be worn for six hours a day for 30 days, and will return results said to last up to 12 months. Of course, since nothing that sounds so good is actually that good, manufacturers say the “treatment” must also be accompanied by regular workout and a healthy diet.