Obesity, defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, poses a significant risk to health. Weight loss patches have emerged as a trend in the diet industry, with manufacturers claiming that their ingredients can aid weight loss when applied to the skin over targeted areas. Bee venom (BV) has been explored for its potential medicinal utility against obesity, alongside its established use in treating immune-related diseases and providing pain relief. This article delves into the effectiveness of bee venom weight loss patches, exploring the science behind their purported benefits, potential risks, and alternative weight loss strategies.
Bee Venom and Adipogenesis: Exploring the Science
Bee venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, peptides, and low molecular weight components. Research suggests that bee venom possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, pain-relieving, and antimicrobial effects. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions, including tumors, skin diseases, and pain.
One study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of BV on adipocyte differentiation, the process by which stem cells differentiate into mature fat cells. The study, conducted on 3T3-L1 cells and a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model, revealed that BV inhibited lipid accumulation without causing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, BV-treated mice exhibited reduced body weight gain.
The research indicated that BV inhibits adipogenesis by downregulating the expression of transcription factors such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). BV also induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in both the cell line and obese mice.
Understanding Adipogenesis
Adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy are determinant factors of obesity. Adipocytes differentiate from stem cells or other precursor cells, involving a complex program of gene expression important for obesity-related diseases. The differentiation sequence from preadipocytes to adipocytes comprises confluence, mitotic clonal expansion (MCE), and terminal differentiation.
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PPARγ and C/EBPs promote the differentiation of adipocytes. During early-stage differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, the expression of C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ is increased after hormonal induction, followed by increases in the expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ. AMPK, a regulator of energy homeostasis, is an important target for controlling obesity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism by inactivating metabolic enzymes.
Bee Venom Components and Their Mechanisms
Bee venom contains active enzymes and peptides, including phospholipase A2, melittin, and apamin. Melittin, a major component, has shown promise in improving atherosclerotic lesions and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Apamin has demonstrated the ability to attenuate lipids, proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, fibrotic factors, and macrophage infiltration in LPS/fat-induced atherosclerotic mice.
Bee Venom Patches: A Closer Look
Weight loss patches are a novel trend in the diet industry. Manufacturers claim that the ingredients in these patches help people lose weight. People apply the patches to their skin over the areas where they want to lose weight. Weight loss patches are advertised as promoting weight loss by transferring ingredients through the skin, a process known as transdermal. They’re sometimes called “slim” or “slimming” patches.
These patches supposedly work by releasing active ingredients from an embedded delivery system onto the skin’s surface. Then, the skin must absorb the particles of the active ingredient to allow them to enter the person’s bloodstream. Nicotine patches are an example of medication delivery via a patch.
Common Ingredients
Weight loss patches contain different ingredients that manufacturers claim can assist people in losing weight. Some of the ingredients in weight loss patches may include:
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- Green coffee bean extract
- Types of mint, including Japanese mint
- Acai berry
- Green tea
- Ephedra
- Bitter orange
- Flaxseed oil
Some weight loss patches combine several ingredients that may help people lose weight.
The Transdermal Delivery System
In transdermal patches, active and nonmedicinal ingredients must incorporate into the appropriate delivery system, which releases the active ingredients from the patch onto the skin. The ingredients must also be small enough to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. If they can do this, the manufacturers must determine whether the amount in the bloodstream is safe and effective for its intended purpose.
Not all areas of the skin offer the same absorption rates, as the characteristics of the skin’s surface affect its ability to absorb. Humidity and heat are additional factors that can affect the absorption across the skin.
One of the benefits of using a patch is avoiding the need for the medicine to pass through the digestive tract. If the digestive system metabolizes an ingredient before the blood absorbs it, it may lose effectiveness.
Lack of Regulation and Scientific Evidence
Researchers have not studied the effects of weight loss patches, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate their manufacture. Insufficient information about these patches is available to understand whether the ingredients in the patch will influence weight loss. Microneedle weight loss patches involve a patch on the skin using tiny needles to deliver ingredients into the skin.
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The FDA has not approved weight loss patches because no evidence of their effectiveness and safety is available. As the FDA does not control these products, it does not regulate the quantity or quality of the active ingredients in each patch. Researchers have studied the effects of oral doses of some ingredients in weight loss patches. However, it is impossible to claim that ingredients will have the same results in the form of a patch as when a person ingests them.
Although manufacturers claim that using weight loss products on the skin is safer than oral doses, evidence on the safety of weight loss patches is lacking. It is unknown whether any weight loss patch is better than another or better than weight loss pills. Further research in humans is still necessary to answer these questions.
Specific Weight Loss Patch Products
Some commercially available weight loss patches include:
- Acai berry patch with green tea: While acai berries have antioxidant properties, no evidence suggests they directly aid weight loss. Green tea may promote slight weight loss by increasing metabolic rate and breaking down fat cells, but whether these effects occur transdermally is unknown.
- SlimKick Weight Loss Patch: This patch contains Fucus vesiculosus, a seaweed extract containing iodine, and pyruvate. While Fucus vesiculosus may be safe topically, no human evidence supports its weight loss effects. Pyruvate is considered safe orally at specific doses, but its effectiveness in patches is unconfirmed.
- Himitsu Patch: The Himitsu patch features Japanese mint, which developers claim can break down fat cells, boost metabolism, and block sugar absorption. However, scientific studies on Japanese mint's weight loss benefits and risks are lacking.
- Zycie Nutrition Slimming Patch: This patch contains Fucus vesiculosus, zinc pyruvate, and bitter orange extract. As mentioned, the effectiveness of Fucus vesiculosus and zinc pyruvate is questionable. Bitter orange extract may reduce appetite and increase calorie burning, but evidence is limited, and it can cause side effects like chest pain, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
Bee Venom Therapy: Safety and Risks
Bee venom therapy (BVT), which involves using bee venom for medicinal purposes, is utilized worldwide. While BVT has demonstrated therapeutic utility, its safety profile is an important consideration. Immune responses to BVT can range from trivial skin reactions to life-threatening responses such as anaphylaxis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the risks associated with bee venom therapy. The review included 145 studies, encompassing randomized controlled trials, audits, cohort studies, single-case studies, and case series. The median frequency of patients experiencing adverse events related to venom immunotherapy was 28.87%.
Adverse Events and Considerations
The most significant issue related to the adverse events of BVT is their unpredictable occurrence. The types of bee venom treatments included bee sting acupuncture (BSA), subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of bee venom for acupoint stimulation (bee venom acupuncture [BVA], sweet bee venom [SBV]), and dried honeybee venom (apitoxin injections), as well as subcutaneous VIT for desensitization of venom immune reactions.
Adverse events were classified into systemic reactions (SR), skin problems (SP), and other nonspecific reactions. SRs were further categorized based on the Mueller classification (grade I, grade II, grade III, and grade IV). In audits and cohort studies, adverse event types were divided into SR, large local reaction (LLR), local reaction (LR), and other.
Key Findings on Adverse Events
- In case studies and case series, SRs comprised 51.72% of the adverse events produced by bee venom.
- Severe adverse events included grade III and grade IV SRs, with some cases requiring urgent medical intervention.
- Adverse events associated with BSA and BVA mainly include SPs such as granulomas and plaques, potentially due to persistent local inflammation.
- In audits and cohort studies of VIT, the median incidence of adverse events was 28.87%, with SRs occurring in 14.06% of participants.
Cautions and Recommendations
Given the potential risks associated with bee venom, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional supervision for any therapeutic use. Some potential adverse effects and risks of injected and topical bee venom therapy include:
- Anaphylaxis and sensitization: Bee venom may trigger life-threatening allergic reactions.
- Local adverse reactions: Bee venom injections may lead to itching, swelling, pain, and skin irritation. Creams or cosmetics can also cause irritation, edema, itching, and rashes.
- Severe toxic or neurological reactions: High doses of bee venom may lead to toxicity, muscle burning pain, tissue necrosis, and premature destruction of red blood cells.
Alternative Weight Loss Strategies
Weight loss patches are not a reliable way to lose weight. The most effective way to lose weight is by making lifestyle changes. These can help people reach realistic weight loss goals in small incremental steps. Sustainable weight loss requires a multi-pronged approach, incorporating diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Diet
Doctors recommend following a low-calorie diet to aid weight loss. The number of calories a person should consume daily depends on several factors, including their baseline weight, gender, age, and activity level. A doctor or nutritionist can help people calculate the best total daily calorie intake and macronutrient breakdown for them.
Exercise
Combining a low-calorie diet with an exercise regimen can promote weight loss that may result in lower abdominal fat, which determines cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise (bike riding, jogging, or brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running, HIIT, or boxing) a week.
Behavioral Therapy and Support
These measures are not easy to implement every day, and some people may find behavioral therapy beneficial as they adjust to lifestyle changes. Having a strong and consistent support system may also help people who are trying to lose weight or maintain their weight loss.
Medical Interventions
If a person is likely to experience health benefits by losing weight, a doctor may recommend that they aim to reduce their starting weight by 10%. For example, a person weighing 200 pounds (lb) could try to lose 20 lb. A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is about 1-2 lb per week. Once the person reaches their initial goal, they may continue to try to lose weight if they wish to or if a doctor advises them.
Your doctor can recommend well-researched, FDA-approved medications tailored to your particular weight issues, whether related to a metabolic condition or emotional overeating. Some medications include:
- Semaglutide: An injectable medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and digestion.
- Naltrexone/Bupropion: Alone, naltrexone is used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders by blocking opioid receptors to reduce cravings. When taken separately, the two medications promote weight loss and reduce food cravings. After being prescribed off-label for weight loss, the FDA approved the combination of the drugs as Contrave.
- Phentermine: A prescription appetite suppressant that’s taken orally. Phentermine has been FDA-approved for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) but can be used for much longer.