The use of weight loss patches has become increasingly popular in recent years, but the FDA has not approved them for weight loss due to a lack of evidence of their effectiveness and safety. As the FDA does not regulate these products, there is no guarantee of the amount of active ingredients in each patch or the quality of the ingredients. This means that some of these products can do more harm than good. The FDA has found hundreds of dietary supplements that contain ingredients that are not listed, including prescription drugs, banned substances, and ingredients without sufficient human studies (FDA, 201).
Weight loss patches work in a similar way to nicotine patches. They are large adhesives that are placed on a specific area of the body and contain all-natural ingredients, so there are no major side effects associated with their use. Unlike supplements that people take orally to lose weight, the active ingredients found in patches are meant to be absorbed through the skin. At this time, there is no FDA-approved weight loss patch on the market and no scientific evidence to support the claims of weight-loss patches.
In fact, in 2004, the Federal Trade Commission accused a patch manufacturer of falsely claiming that the skin patch causes substantial weight loss. If companies say that a weight loss patch offers “fast” or “quick” weight loss, it is best to be wary. In addition to using a weight loss patch, it is important to make lifestyle changes to promote weight loss. Setting weekly activity goals can help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being while reducing the risk of chronic diseases, as well as anxiety and depression (HHS, 201).
Another person shared that they wear the patch for about 3 days a month because then their body gets used to it and doesn't regain the water weight as quickly. Dietary supplements, such as weight loss patches, are not considered drugs; therefore, anyone can go to their nearest pharmacy or online marketplace to buy these types of items. Popular brands, such as the Thrive weight loss patch, use green coffee bean extract which comes from raw, unroasted coffee beans. Manufacturers also claim that the patches are made from all-natural sources, so you don't have to worry about side effects.
A dietary or transdermal patch delivers the ingredients through the skin non-invasively. The FDA does not consider dietary aids, such as weight-loss patches, to be drugs; therefore, these products are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as other drugs. However, this particular weight loss patch is effective as it contains natural ingredients and is considered safe by consumers. If you have any questions about the safety or effectiveness of a weight-loss product, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider before using the product. There is much more research on traditional weight loss techniques and lifestyle changes than on weight-loss patches. It is important to remember that these patches should be used in conjunction with other methods for successful and safe weight loss.
