Recent promotions for weight-loss patches inspired by the drug Ozempic have raised questions about their effectiveness and safety. These patches, often referred to as GLP-1 patches, claim to aid weight loss without the discomfort associated with injections. However, experts caution that these products lack solid scientific backing, and potential users should approach with skepticism.
Ozempic is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which has undergone rigorous clinical trials. In contrast, the patches marketed as alternatives do not contain any pharmaceutical ingredients associated with Ozempic or similar drugs like Mounjaro. Instead, they primarily consist of herbal extracts such as berberine, green tea extract from Camellia sinensis, Garcinia cambogia, and bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium L.). While laboratory studies suggest that some of these compounds may suppress appetite or influence fat metabolism, the translation of these effects to real-world weight loss is questionable.
Limited Evidence of Effectiveness
Research indicates that the actual impact of these herbal extracts on weight loss in humans is minimal. For instance, a review examining the effects of up to 3 grams of berberine daily over the course of a year revealed only slight reductions in weight and waist circumference. Similarly, studies assessing green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia have found no significant weight loss effects when taken in recommended dosages.
In one instance, a daily intake of up to 2.4 grams of green tea extract over 13 weeks did not yield measurable weight loss, nor did more than 4 grams of Garcinia cambogia over 17 weeks. Furthermore, a study involving bitter orange extract found that a daily dose of 54 milligrams of synephrine for eight weeks did not lead to weight loss. Importantly, these studies focused on oral formulations rather than transdermal patches.
Concerns About Transdermal Delivery
The effectiveness of weight-loss patches also hinges on their ability to deliver active ingredients through the skin. The skin’s structure is designed to absorb fat-soluble substances while blocking water-soluble ones. Therefore, if the extracts used in the patches are water-based, they are unlikely to penetrate the skin effectively.
Moreover, these patches typically contain less than 0.1 grams of active extract, a quantity insufficient to produce meaningful results. In comparison, the studies referenced earlier required several grams of material to observe any effect, raising further doubts about the efficacy of these patches.
Regulatory and Safety Issues
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees the regulation of medical products, including herbal extracts. For a product to be sold legally, it must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Currently, no Ozempic-style patches are registered with the TGA, indicating that their quality and safety have not been evaluated.
An Australian study highlighted concerning instances of contamination in unregistered herbal products, revealing the presence of undeclared plant materials, heavy metals, and even prescription medications like warfarin. Such contaminants pose serious health risks as they can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
In summary, while the prospect of using Ozempic-style patches for weight loss may be enticing, their effectiveness is largely unsupported by scientific evidence, and their safety remains uncertain. Experts recommend consulting with healthcare professionals for proven weight-loss strategies tailored to individual health needs, rather than relying on unverified products.
