She Strengthens

The Truth About Weight Loss Patches: Separating Fact from Fiction

Are weight loss patches the miracle solution you’ve been searching for, or are they just another fleeting trend? Let’s dive into the world of weight loss patches and uncover the truth behind their claims.

How Do Weight Loss Patches Work?

In theory, weight loss patches are similar to weight loss pills. Instead of being taken orally, the active ingredients penetrate your skin via the patch, entering your bloodstream and allegedly working their magic. But, unlike traditional medication, weight loss patches aren’t regulated by the FDA, which raises several red flags.

The Red Flags

Many substances claiming to promote fat loss aren’t effective and can even be dangerous. Receiving these substances via a patch hasn’t been shown to make them work any better. Herbal remedies, including weight loss patches, aren’t regulated by the FDA, so there’s no evidence they actually work. Moreover, weight loss patches could contain sketchy or even dangerous ingredients.

Common Ingredients in Weight Loss Patches

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly used active ingredients found in popular patches:

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee bean extract contains chlorogenic acid, which may prevent weight gain, and caffeine, which can aid in weight loss. However, patches containing green coffee bean extract haven’t been studied, and the exact side effects are unknown.

Hokuto Mint

Hokuto mint contains menthol, which allegedly blocks the body’s absorption of sugar and starch, preventing fat storage. However, there’s little research on applying Hokuto mint to the skin, and it’s often sold as an essential oil, which can be dangerous if not diluted properly.

Acai Berry

Acai berry is packed with antioxidants, but there’s no evidence it contributes to weight loss. It’s generally considered safe, but it could affect MRI results, and there’s no credible evidence it helps with weight loss.

Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, and businesses claim it ramps up metabolism and stops new fat from being absorbed. However, there’s no research on side effects of green tea weight loss patches, and the evidence for its effectiveness is limited.

Ephedra or Ma Huang

Ephedra was banned by the FDA in 2004 due to its dangerous side effects, including stroke, heart disease, and seizures. There’s no research on ephedra patches, and it’s not a substance anyone should be using.

Bitter Orange Extract

Bitter orange extract contains synephrine, similar to ephedrine, and manufacturers claim it suppresses appetite and burns fat. However, the side effects are inconclusive, and there are no studies on its effectiveness.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseeds contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, but eating flaxseeds won’t reap the same benefits as using a patch. There’s no evidence the omega-3s in flaxseeds help with weight loss.

Fucus Vesiculosus

Fucus vesiculosus is said to promote healthy thyroid function, but it contains large amounts of iodine, which could worsen existing thyroid conditions. It might also make it harder for your blood to clot.

Guarana or Yerba Mate

Both guarana and yerba mate contain caffeine, which can boost energy and burn calories. However, consuming high doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, nausea, and increased heart rate.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid found in high-protein foods and helps move fatty acids into cells for energy. However, there’s no research specific to L-carnitine patches, and small studies found no effect on weight loss.

The Bottom Line

Weight loss patches aren’t regulated by the FDA, and they could contain unsafe ingredients or high doses of questionable substances. There’s zero evidence they’re a safe or effective tool for weight loss. Even patches with potentially beneficial ingredients probably aren’t worth it, as they won’t contribute much to your weight loss efforts and could put your health at risk.