The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led to a proliferation of products and programs, each promising remarkable results. Among these is the Thrive Patch, a weight loss aid delivered transdermally, marketed as part of an 8-week lifestyle program. This article delves into the Thrive Patch, scrutinizing its ingredients, claimed benefits, and potential risks, while also exploring the broader landscape of weight loss supplements and strategies.
Understanding the Thrive Patch
The Thrive Patch is a weight loss patch applied to the skin, promoted by Le-Vel as an integral component of an 8-week lifestyle program. This program purports to facilitate weight loss, bolster healthy digestion, promote healthy aging, and enhance brain and immune function. The program involves a three-step daily routine, incorporating supplement capsules in the morning, a shake at lunch, and the Thrive Patch, which is replaced in the afternoon. A 60-day supply costs over $300. The Thrive Patch is advertised as feeding the body with over 100 premium-grade vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, protein, and fiber.
Active Ingredients in the Thrive Patch
The Thrive Patch boasts a blend of active ingredients, including:
- ForsLean: A commercial variant of Coleus forskohlii.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: An unroasted coffee bean extract.
- Garcinia Cambogia: A popular weight loss supplement.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A naturally occurring nutrient.
- Cosmoperine: A compound extracted from black pepper.
Additionally, the Thrive Ultra Patch and Black Label Patch offer enhanced formulations with ingredients like:
- Satiereal saffron extract
- Green tea extract
- 5-HTP
- L-Theanine
- L-Arginine
- Quercetin
- Guarana
- Yerba Mate
- Vitamin B12
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Thrive Patch
Despite the claims surrounding the Thrive Patch, there is a notable absence of studies specifically assessing its effectiveness for weight loss. Existing research focuses on the oral consumption of some of its ingredients, with no guarantee that the same effects will be achieved through topical application. The absorption and concentration of topical products differ significantly from oral products, rendering the effectiveness of the Thrive Patch uncertain.
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Scientific Evidence for Key Ingredients
- ForsLean: While a 2015 study suggested that Coleus forskohlii, when combined with a low-calorie diet, could reduce metabolic risk factors and promote weight loss in overweight and obese participants, researchers attributed the weight loss to the diet itself. A 2020 review also suggested that natural supplements such as Coleus forskohlii may not be entirely safe and are unlikely to lead to significant weight loss.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Some studies suggest that green coffee bean extract may be effective in reducing body weight in overweight individuals, improving levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol.
- Garcinia Cambogia: Results of weight loss studies involving Garcinia cambogia have been mixed, with positive studies showing only marginal effects. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential cases of toxic liver disease and other health issues associated with its use.
Doubts about Dermal Fusion Technology
The Thrive Patch utilizes dermal fusion technology to deliver its ingredients through the skin. However, this technology has not been adequately studied, making it difficult to ascertain its effectiveness in increasing blood levels of the active ingredients.
Additional Claims and Potential Benefits
Besides weight loss, the Thrive Patch is marketed to increase energy levels and improve brain function, appetite management, and digestive health. The lifestyle capsules contain caffeine, which can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. The capsules include the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may help improve gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome. The Thrive Patch also contains CoQ10, which has been linked to reduced muscle fatigue and a subsequent improvement in exercise performance, though more research is still needed. However, it remains unclear how much of each ingredient the Thrive Patch contains, whether they are present in sufficient amounts to have any effect, and how well they are absorbed through the skin.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Thrive patches are not recommended for anyone under age 18 or anyone who is pregnant or nursing. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these patches can cause some unpleasant side effects, such as rashes, nausea, and heart palpitations. There is no concrete evidence to suggest it's healthy.
Alternative Weight Loss Supplements and Strategies
Many common weight loss supplements are not supported by significant evidence and can have harmful side effects. There are a few weight loss supplements that may be effective, such as caffeine, conjugated linoleic acid, and green tea extract. Still, nothing can replace the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.
Safe and Proven Weight Loss Methods
- Increasing physical activity
- Decreasing calorie intake
- Eating consistent amounts at similar times each day
- Eating breakfast
- Following certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet
The Thrive Diet
The Thrive Diet is centered on raw, vegan foods. It was designed by Brendan Brazier, a former professional athlete. If you follow the Thrive Diet, you don’t have to count calories or measure out portions of food. Instead, you eat several small meals over the course of the day. The goal is to eat nutritious foods and keep your blood sugar and energy level stable throughout the day.
Read also: Weight Loss Supplements: What You Need to Know
The Thrive Diet claims to:
- Help you lose weight
- Relieve stress
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Improve your energy
The foundation of the Thrive Diet is to focus on eating raw ingredients instead of processed, fatty foods. More and more people are leaning toward fresh fruits and vegetables instead of following fad diets that offer short-term results.
Examining Thrive Market
Thrive Market is a convenient way to get dry, canned, and frozen foods delivered straight to your home. Thrive Market is an online grocery store that carries products it describes as “natural” and “health-conscious.” It focuses on non-GMO foods, organic products, and ingredients standards. One important note is that Thrive Market doesn’t sell any produce or other fresh foods such as dairy products or eggs. It does sell some frozen items, including meats and seafood.
Membership and Pricing
To shop at Thrive Market, you’ll need to sign up for a membership. There are two options:
- Annual membership: \$59.95 per year
- Monthly membership: \$12 per month
The annual membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide: Keto vs. Thrive
Maximizing Savings at Thrive Market
- Take advantage of Thrive Cash
- Try autoship
- Watch for freebies
- Choose an annual membership
- Look for sales
Thrive Market Reviews
Thrive Market is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating from the organization. It has 160 customer reviews on the BBB site, with an average rating of 2.67 out of 5. Most complaints are related to difficulty canceling the membership or continued membership charges after canceling. On Trustpilot, Thrive Market is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars with more than 3,000 reviews. Positive reviews speak to good product selection, fast delivery times, and good customer service. Negative reviews, however, complain that memberships are hard to cancel, prices aren’t competitive, and it’s difficult to get customer service over the phone. Multiple reviewers also report being confused that the membership fee is charged within the 30-day trial period.