The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led many down various paths, from trendy diets to waist trainers and detox teas. Among these options, weight loss patches have emerged, promising a simple way to shed pounds. But do these patches live up to the hype? This comprehensive article explores the science behind weight loss patches, their ingredients, potential side effects, and, most importantly, whether they are a reliable weight loss solution.
What Are Weight Loss Patches?
Weight loss patches, also known as slim patches or slimming patches, are adhesive bandages applied to the skin. Manufacturers claim that these patches contain active ingredients that promote weight loss by releasing them onto the skin's surface for absorption into the bloodstream. This transdermal delivery system bypasses the digestive system, which proponents suggest enhances the effectiveness of the ingredients.
Ingredients Found in Weight Loss Patches
The ingredients in weight loss patches vary, but some common ones include:
Açai Berry: Touted for its antioxidant properties, açai may reduce inflammation, but there's limited evidence it promotes weight loss when absorbed through the skin. 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.
Green Coffee Extract: Derived from unroasted coffee beans, green coffee extract is believed to decrease fat cells and increase energy. However, scientific evidence supporting its weight loss effects, especially when applied topically, is lacking. A small 2021 study found that people living with obesity reduced their body fat using the supplement for 12 weeks, but only 60 individuals were involved in the study, and it did not involve a patch.
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Garcinia Cambogia: This ingredient is thought to suppress appetite, but its effectiveness is not scientifically proven. Some studies suggest it may decrease body fat, composition, and weight. However, it has been associated with liver toxicity in some cases.
Green Tea Extract: Some studies suggest green tea extract may aid weight loss by increasing calorie burning through thermogenesis. However, the effect is fairly negligible, and green tea extract would have to be consumed in vast amounts to reap any benefits. Additionally, the results of these studies have been shown to be inconsistent and more studies are required.
Japanese Mint: Also known as Hokutu tea, 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
Bitter Orange Extract: This extract is claimed to reduce appetite and help the body burn more calories and break down fat more efficiently. However, the evidence behind these claims is lacking.
Fucus Vesiculosus: This seaweed extract contains iodine, which may link to diabetes, but no evidence of weight loss in humans exists.
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Other less common ingredients include CBD (Cannabidiol) and the herb ashwagandha, which are used more for their stress-relief properties than their weight-loss benefits.
Do Weight Loss Patches Really Work?
Despite the claims made by manufacturers, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of weight loss patches. No peer-reviewed studies have specifically investigated weight loss patches. Most of the available research focuses on the individual ingredients and their effects when ingested orally.
Even when taken orally, the weight loss benefits of many of these ingredients are minimal or inconsistent. Furthermore, the transdermal delivery of these ingredients may not be as effective as oral ingestion due to the skin's barrier properties. The 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.
One meta-analysis of 12 studies on berberine for weight loss found this plant compound helped people shed an average of about 4.5 pounds - not enough to be clinically meaningful for improving health. And the review doesn’t show that berberine can be applied on a patch and absorbed through the bloodstream, Jay adds.
Microneedle Patches: A Promising Technology?
One potential advancement in transdermal drug delivery is the use of microneedle patches (MP). These patches contain microscopic needles that create microchannels in the skin, allowing for more efficient drug delivery into the deeper layers. MP are an advanced strategy for the safe, painless, easy, and efficient delivery of drugs across the stratum corneum to reach the dermis layer. The micro-sized needles of MP create microchannels that penetrate the different skin barriers and allow delivering of drugs into deeper layers of the skin.
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A 2024 study found that a microneedle patch infused with dopamine particles decreased the weight of obese mice by 19% in combination with photothermal therapy. However, further studies on humans are necessary to confirm whether microneedle patches aid weight loss.
FDA Regulation and Safety Concerns
Weight loss patches are considered supplements and are not tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This lack of regulation raises concerns about the quality, safety, and accuracy of the ingredients listed on the product label.
The FDA has not approved weight loss patches because no evidence of their effectiveness and safety is available.
The 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.
Potential Side Effects
The side effects of weight loss patches are not fully understood due to the lack of regulation and the variability in ingredients. Some potential side effects may include:
- Skin Irritation: The adhesive in the patches can cause contact dermatitis, irritation, and increased sweating in the area where the patch is applied.
- Allergic Reactions: Individuals may be allergic to certain ingredients in the patch, leading to skin rashes, burns, or blisters.
- Interference with Medications: Weight loss patches may interfere with the effectiveness of other medications.
- Side Effects from Ingredients: Some ingredients, such as green coffee bean extract and bitter orange, have been linked to side effects like upset stomach, nausea, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
- Liver Toxicity: Garcinia cambogia has been associated with liver toxicity in some cases.
Holistic Approaches to Weight Loss
Instead of relying on quick fixes like weight loss patches, experts recommend a holistic approach to weight loss that focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes. This includes:
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vegetables, high-quality protein, good fats, and unrefined carbs is essential for weight loss and overall health.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps burn calories, build lean muscle, and improve cardiovascular health.
- Lifestyle Changes: Gradual implementation of small, consistent behavioral changes, such as getting more incidental exercise or drinking more water, can lead to significant weight loss over time.
- Mental Health: Addressing emotional eating habits and managing stress are crucial for long-term weight loss success.
Clinical Approaches
For individuals who have struggled with weight loss, a clinical approach may be necessary. This involves consulting with a medical professional to identify underlying factors that may be affecting weight and to develop a personalized weight management plan. This might include dietary counseling, medications, or even surgery in some cases.
Currently, the FDA-approved drugs to treat obesity are orlistat, phentermine-topiramate ER, naltrexone-bupropion, liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzetapide, and setmelanotide.
GLP-1 Patches: A Closer Look
The emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), has revolutionized weight loss treatment. These medications mimic a hormone in the body also called GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide 1), which the body naturally produces to regulate blood sugar, hunger, and metabolism.
Given the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs, some companies have marketed "GLP-1 patches" as an affordable, needle-free alternative to injections. However, experts warn that there are currently no GLP-1 medications that can be absorbed through the skin. The drugs have large molecules that make that very difficult, if not impossible.
Why GLP-1 Patches Are Unlikely to Work
Several factors make it unlikely that GLP-1 patches can effectively deliver the drug into the bloodstream:
- Molecular Size Limits: GLP-1 is a peptide hormone with a molecular weight of about 3,300 daltons, while transdermal medications that work well typically involve molecules smaller than 500 daltons.
- Concentration Challenges: Effective transdermal delivery requires high concentration gradients to drive absorption.
- Lack of Enhancement Technology: True pharmaceutical transdermal systems use special technologies like microneedles or penetration enhancers.