If reruns of the early 2000s reality weight loss shows taught us anything, it’s that people will try just about anything to lose weight-including downright dangerous measures. Most people long to lose weight in a safe, and ideally, quick way. Cue weight loss patches. But do these patches really work, and are they safe to use?
What are Weight Loss Patches?
Weight loss patches (aka slimming or liposuction patches) are thermoplastic or silicone adhesives infused with various ingredients. You stick ‘em on your body for a few hours and let the contents seep into your skin (and eventually, your bloodstream).
These stickers go by a slew of different names, including “firming patches,” “metabolism support patches,” and more. They are intended to work transdermally, which means the active ingredients go directly into the skin, bypassing your digestive system. That's the key difference between patches and oral supplements you’d ingest, such as in pill or powder form.
Availability and Regulation
Because weight loss patches are considered supplements, you can buy them directly over the counter. There are no prescription transdermal medications for weight loss. The patches are easy to find online, with prices ranging from fairly inexpensive to several hundred dollars a pop. However, experts are skeptical that weight loss patches can deliver a “more efficient” effect.
It’s important to note there have been no peer-reviewed studies into weight loss patches.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, and therefore does not control the manufacture of weight loss patches. As a result, adverse side effects such as nausea, headache, increased heart rate (a.k.a tachycardia), and skin irritation near the application site are possible. It’s difficult to say with certainty what the side effects can be from weight loss patches, given that it’s hard to know what’s actually in them.
Common Ingredients in Weight Loss Patches
The ingredients in these patches vary wildly. Some common ingredients in weight loss patches include:
- Green tea extract
- Garcinia cambogia
- B vitamins
- Acai berry
- Kelp
- Apple cider vinegar
- Green coffee bean extract
- Types of mint, including Japanese mint
- Ephedra
- Bitter orange
- Flaxseed oil
- Essential oils
- CBD (Cannabidiol)
- Ashwagandha
Some weight loss patches combine several ingredients that may help people lose weight. However, there’s no standardized dosing for herbs and extracts.
Acai Berry
Acai’s sky-high antioxidant count has made it a popular ingredient in weight-loss and anti-aging products. The berry reportedly has 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Oxidative stress prompts fat cells to store more fat and slows down metabolism. Acai’s antioxidant properties may positively affect fat. Even so, experts doubt you’ll see significant weight loss from patches containing the berry.
Acai is a type of fruit that is “packed with antioxidants which may lead to decreased inflammation in the body." However, believing that leads to weight loss when absorbed through the skin is not scientifically proven at all. A small 2019 study found that consuming 200 grams (g) of açai pulp for 60 days helped reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are both associated with weight gain and obesity. However, limited research has examined the effects of acai in weight loss patches. More research is needed to draw conclusions about the fruit’s effectiveness.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been hailed for helping people shed pounds by affecting appetite, satiety, and metabolism. Some research shows promise, but the studies have been small. Still, study participants were drinking ACV, not wearing it.
Bitter Orange Extract
Bitter orange extract is found in citrus fruits such as Seville oranges and contains synephrine, a stimulant with effects similar to ephedrine, according to a 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research. Because of this, makers of bitter orange extract patches have claimed it can help with weight loss by helping to burn more calories and fat, as well as by suppressing appetite. However, the study concluded that these effects are minimal and further research is still needed. Some people report side effects when using bitter orange, including:
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Muscle and bone pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has gained significant popularity, particularly as a method for relieving pain and anxiety, and it’s starting to pop up in patch form as well. CBD oil may have some appetite-suppressing qualities, which is why people may be intrigued enough to try it. However, like CBD creams, these patches are usually intended for uses like muscle pain relief, and, as with most others on this list, more research is needed when it comes CBD for weight loss.
Ephedra
Also commonly referred to as ephedrine, this ingredient has a reputation for being straight-up dangerous, and rightfully so. In fact, in 2004, ephedra was banned by the FDA for use in diet and sports supplements because it showed to have serious health risks like heart attack and stroke, resulting in deaths. Physicians generally agree that it’s not a safe or effective treatment for weight loss. Steer clear. Other side effects include anxiety, nausea, shakiness, a dry mouth and difficulty sleeping.
Garcinia Cambogia
The rind of garcinia cambogia fruit contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound believed to suppress appetite. While garcinia is a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements, it lacks solid evidence from quality studies. “Potentially, it can cause liver toxicity, inflammation, headache, nausea, cough, constipation, and diarrhea". A 2020 research review found that garcinia cambogia supplementation helped decrease body fat, composition, and weight. However, garcinia cambogia may pose harsh side effects.
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Garcinia cambogia is derived from the fruit of the Malabar tamarind tree native to Southeastern Asia. It’s typically used as a food preservative and flavoring agent, but garcinia cambogia has increasingly been used in weight loss products due to claims that it can block your body’s ability to produce fat and suppress your appetite in the short term, according to a 2021 study published in Nutrients. That said, the study only found a minimal difference in body weight in those taking garcinia cambogia, per a 2022 study in the same journal. Instead, it might also produce side effects like headache, nausea, or acute liver injury.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee bean extract comes from raw coffee beans that haven’t been roasted. These beans contain chlorogenic acid, which could significantly decrease body weight without severe adverse effects, a 2019 study published in Nutrients found. However, the study focused on daily consumption of at least 300 mg of chlorogenic acid over the course of 12 weeks, and was not administered via patch. In other words, the results aren’t necessarily comparable.
This is “basically coffee beans that haven’t been roasted," adding that there’s “not a lot of research on them and weight loss.” Green coffee extract “has been associated with a decrease in fat cells and increase in energy” when it’s eaten. But, she adds, “it’s not even conclusively proven” to help you lose weight when it’s ingested and “certainly not” proven when it’s applied to your skin. Green coffee bean extract has been linked to side effects like upset stomach, nausea, anxiety and shaking.
Green Tea Extract
Some research has suggested that caffeine may contribute to weight loss, and green tea specifically may help with weight loss and weight management, according to a 2020 review published in Nutrients. But it’s not a magic solution. And while green tea extract is generally pretty safe, green tea weight loss supplements have led to liver damage in rare cases, according to LiverTox, a National Institute of Health resource for physicians and patients about the safety of supplements.
Hokuto Mint (Japanese Mint)
Hokuto mint (also known as Japanese mint or corn mint), contains menthol, which gives off the same minty smell that pain relief products like Bengay do. Sellers often claim that it works by blocking the body’s absorption of sugars and starches, preventing them from being stored as fat. There is no research behind this mint with regard to oral or transdermal administration for weight loss. Japanese mint tea is often sold as an essential oil - and generally, it's not a good idea to apply these oils directly to the skin, as it can be irritating, and damage the skin barrier.
Side Effects of Weight Loss Patches
According to experts, weight loss patches shouldn’t cause major side effects. But there’s no guarantee, especially if the ingredients aren’t fully disclosed. If you intend to use a patch, avoid sensitive areas, as skin reactions are the biggest concern.
Again, the FDA does not regulate dietary or weight loss supplements, including weight loss patches. As a result, adverse side effects such as nausea, headache, increased heart rate (a.k.a tachycardia), and skin irritation near the application site are possible. Plus, because weight loss patches are unregulated, most have not been tested for safety and may contain harmful ingredients.
The key aspect regarding these patches is their assertion of being entirely natural, however, they sometimes contain a mixture of ingredients, including substances that might lead to tachycardia and other adverse effects.
With the patches, the body may not be able to absorb any benefit from these food products. Our skin is not great at absorbing stuff-which is a good thing-but to increase absorption, some manufacturers may use chemicals that help bring ‘stuff’ through the skin and into the bloodstream. This is dangerous because your skin’s protective barrier can’t differentiate between good nutrients and things like harmful heavy metals. Also, if you’re on any medications, there’s a chance using a weight loss patch could interfere with your medication’s effectiveness.
The potential impact of these patches on your skin largely depends on what’s in them. But sticking anything regularly to your skin can cause issues. The contact of those substances on your skin can cause contact dermatitis irritation. It can also increase sweat and irritation in the area. The potential for irritation may be worse if you keep applying patches to the same spot.
Do Weight Loss Patches Work?
Finding evidence to prove that a weight loss patch actually works is pretty much impossible. The research that does exist largely comes from the manufacturers themselves, meaning the findings could be misreported.
At the end of the day, these patches won’t help you slim down quickly, even if you’re exercising and eating well at the same time. The main reason people tend to be optimistic about these patches is because of all the claims out there about trendy ingredients helping with weight loss. But from a physiological standpoint, a single ingredient (and in such small, sporadic amounts) simply can’t have an impactful effect on body fat and metabolism. It’s also worth noting that the location where you apply the patch does not matter either.
Best case scenario is we don’t have research to support that they work. Worst case, they can kill you.
Experts universally agree that weight loss patches are not a good idea, and may even be dangerous for your health. There is no scientific evidence that weight loss patches actually work.
FTC Actions Against Deceptive Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has continued its attack on bogus weight-loss claims by suing a diet patch manufacturer and a retailer that marketed the patch directly to Spanish-speaking consumers. The FTC complaints in both cases also challenge false claims that the patch or its main ingredient, sea kelp, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FTC further alleged that Transdermal Products provided retailers with deceptive marketing materials that could be used to mislead consumers.
According to the FTC, one of the most common false weight- loss claims is that diet patches, topical creams and gels, body wraps, and other products worn on the body or rubbed into the skin can cause substantial weight loss.
Transdermal Products International Marketing Corporation, based in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and its president, advertised on the Internet to recruit distributors who would purchase patches from Transdermal and sell them at retail. Transdermal sold the purported weight-loss patches to distributors under several brand names, including LePatch, Revo Patch, Svelt Patch, and Z Patch. Transdermal also sold unmarked patches, which retailers could sell under their own brand names. Transdermal allegedly provided its distributors with advertising copy and purported substantiation materials, including a document claiming to be a scientific weight loss study demonstrating the patch’s efficacy. Transdermal’s ads contain statements such as, “Amazing Skin Patch Melts Away Body Fat.”
The FTC’s complaint alleges that the Transdermal defendants made false claims that the patch causes substantial weight loss, safely enables users to lose more than three pounds per week for more than four weeks, and causes permanent weight loss. In addition, the complaint alleges that the defendants falsely claimed that scientific research demonstrates that the patch causes substantial weight loss and that the FDA approved the product’s main ingredient - Fucus vesiculosus (sea kelp) - for weight loss. The complaint also alleges that the defendants made unsubstantiated claims that the product causes weight loss and “melts away” body fat. Finally, the complaint alleges that by providing their distributors with deceptive advertising and substantiation materials, the defendants provided them with the means and instrumentalities to deceive consumers.
The FTC’s complaint alleges that SGI falsely claimed that Revopatch Plus causes substantial weight loss in a short time, for example, 15 pounds in four weeks and 20 pounds in six weeks, and has been approved by the FDA. The complaint also alleges that SGI claimed without substantiation that Revopatch Plus causes weight loss, eliminates fat, reduces appetite, regulates metabolism, and reduces or dissolves cellulite. The defendants’ ads claimed, for example, that Revopatch Plus “takes away the urge to eat and the accumulated fat in the body: and best of all, it is 2 products in 1, because it helps you to lose weight and it helps you dissolve cellulite.”
To settle the FTC charges, the proposed stipulated final order prohibits the defendants from falsely claiming that Revopatch Plus or any other product applied to the skin causes substantial weight loss in a short period of time or that the FDA has approved sea kelp for controlling weight. The order also prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting that any health-related product, service, or program has been approved by the FDA. In addition, the order requires the defendants to have competent and reliable scientific evidence before making future claims about the benefits, performance, efficacy, safety, or side effects of any health-related product, service, or program.
Safe and Effective Weight Loss Strategies
Sustainable weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Losing weight (and keeping it off) requires a multi-prong approach, incorporating diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Healthy Diet
There’s no perfect, one-size-fits-all diet, so your best bet is to consult with a registered dietitian or an obesity physician to find one that will fit your individual needs and goals. Fruits, vegetables, and lean protein like eggs, chicken, and tofu also provide essential nutrients that support weight loss and overall health. These foods are loaded with nutrients and will help you feel full without adding many calories to your diet. Fish, nuts, and vegetable oils are also great additions because they contain monounsaturated fats which help lower bad cholesterol levels, in turn, reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Carbohydrates are also totally okay to eat, just focus on non-processed options like multigrain bread, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and oatmeal. It’s also best to limit alcohol and avoid sugary drinks such as soda, fruit juices, and coffee packed with cream and sweetener. Instead, focus on increasing your water intake and aim for about two liters per day. You’re also better off avoiding processed meats like ham, sausage, and pepperoni, and saturated fats.
Physical Activity
When it comes to physical activity, 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. Exercise is a must for weight loss. Be consistent and do what is fun for you, whether you walk, hike, swim, ski, bike, skate, or dance. Do any activity that raises your heart rate and start with small goals of 10 to 15 minutes and build on that. Resistance training is also helpful, and you can get started with body weight. Then, once you get stronger, you can add some light weight or resistance bands.
Lifestyle Changes
Making consistent behavioural changes (think, getting in more incidental exercise or drinking more water) can lead to a loss of around 10% of initial weight loss within 16-26 weeks.
Sleep and Stress Management
Sleep and stress management also matter when it comes to maintaining your physique. Lack of sleep is associated with obesity, higher BMI, and weight gain. Research shows that chronic stress makes it significantly more difficult to lose weight too, as the body tends to go into survival mode and hang on to body fat. It's important to tackle the mental health aspect from the inside out, by working with a therapist or coach.
Medical Interventions
If you need help losing weight, you’re not alone. Your doctor can recommend well-researched, FDA-approved medications tailored to your particular weight issues, whether related to a metabolic condition or emotional overeating.
Semaglutide is an injectable medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. 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 is 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.
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