The present invention is directed to methods for treating obesity, reducing excessive body weight, treating an obesity-related condition, treating unwanted localized fat deposits, and treating areas of cellulite. The method comprises the steps of first identifying a subject in need thereof, and administering to the subject an effective amount of rhamnolipids. A pharmaceutical composition comprising rhamnolipids can be applied by any accepted mode of administration including oral, intranasal, subcutaneous, percutaneous, intravenous, or intracutaneous administration.