If you are on a weight loss journey, then you might have tried everything that could help you to shed the extra pounds by now.
Additionally, you may already be following a strict low-calorie diet along with a regular exercise regime.
However, with development in time, there are always newer ways that could help you to lose weight quickly.
One such recent fad in the diet industry is the use of different weight loss patches. Yes, you heard it right!
We are not surprised if you are curious because weight loss patches are a new fad buzzing all over social media these days.
These products could be an ideal method to lose weight for people who are looking out for a quick solution.
Though a nutritious diet along with a strict exercise regime is indeed considered to be one of the best options for weight loss.
Certain over-the-counter weight loss products could help you to do so as well. One such product is the weight loss patch.
So if you are curious to learn all about weight loss patches, then this is the right article you come across.
Before understanding the functioning of these patches, let us know about them in detail.
What Are Weight Loss Patches?
The weight loss patches are large adhesive patches that aim at helping you to reduce[1] fat from specific areas of the body like your arms, thighs, or belly.
These patches could achieve[2] their major aim of weight loss by functioning transdermally.
In other words, this means that these patches could help you to lose weight because the active ingredients in them may directly go into the skin without bypassing your digestive system.
This is one of the major differences between weight loss patches and other weight loss supplements which you take in the form of pills, powders, or liquid.
The active ingredients present in these weight loss patches differ based on the particular type or the brand of patch you use.
Moreover, the makers of these patches or their brands may claim that they could help you to burn fat, prevent weight gain and hence become slim from specific areas of your body.
Ingredients Present In Weight Loss Patches
Now let’s have a glance at some of the common active ingredients which could be found in these patches-
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Green Tea Extract
According to a study[3], green tea might specifically help in weight management and weight loss, as the catechins present in it could help in managing a high-fat diet.
However, current research is still required to substantiate this claim.
At the same time, generally, green tea might be considered safe, except that when used in certain supplements, it might have shown damage[4] to the liver.
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Garcinia Cambogia
Another popular ingredient that could be found in the different weight loss patches is Garcinia Cambogia, which is a tree that grows in different locations in Africa, Asia, and the Polynesian islands.
The major function of this fruit is because of the high amount[5] of hydroxy citric acid in it.
This acid may help to reduce[6] the number of fat cells in your body.
At the same time, Garcinia Cambogia promotes[7] the feeling of fullness and hence could help you to evade any unnecessary snacking.
Since your appetite is reduced, you may consume fewer calories and hence this could facilitate your weight loss journey.
However, the only unfortunate news that comes with this ingredient could be the different side effects related to its consumption.
These side effects could include[8] headache, nausea diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that does not directly help you to lose weight.
However, it could in turn help[9] you relieve stress and anxiety, which might further lead to stress eating.
At the same time, this study[10] shows how this ingredient could help to reduce the levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone in the human body.
But research lacks a claim on whether it could help you to shed extra inches or not.
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Hokuto Mint
Also referred to as Japanese mint, Hokuto mint is another ingredient in the different weight loss patches.
As the name suggests, this ingredient contains menthol, which provides the minty smell to the weight loss patches.
The brands that include this ingredient in their weight loss patches may claim that it can help you to lose weight because it might block your body’s absorption capacity[11] of different starches and sugars.
When your body’s absorption capacity is blocked, it may not store starch and sugar as fat and hence help you to lose weight.
However, no research could confirm this claim.
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Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee bean extract is an extract from unroasted coffee beans that could help to reduce[12] fat accumulation while enhancing energy levels in individuals.
According to this study[13], green coffee bean extract might aid in weight reduction in people with weight issues and may promote weight loss.
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Acai Berry
Being packed with different vitamins, along with zinc, magnesium, copper, calcium, and potassium, Acai Berry can inarguably provide different health benefits to your body.
Some of these health benefits include enhancing your energy levels and metabolism.
At the same time, the blend of healthy fats, dietary fiber, and phytosterols in this ingredient is said to improve[14] your digestive and cardiovascular health.
Moreover, since this fruit has high levels of antioxidants, it may even help reduce oxidative stress in your body.
How To Use Weight Loss Patches And Do They Work?
Using the weight loss patches is pretty simple. All you have to do is use them like band-aids on your skin.
Moreover, the particular type of patch you purchase will have the instructions written on it.
These instructions may tell you how long and how frequently you may be supposed to wear these patches.
Though some sellers may claim that they are clinically tested, the weight loss patches are not considered dietary supplements.
Due to the same reason, they are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The supplements not regulated by FDA could contain unlisted ingredients like prescription drugs or banned substances. These ingredients could, in turn, do more harm than good.
Moreover, dietary supplements like weight loss patches are not under any obligation to undergo some sort of rigorous testing.
Here is another reason that may help you to assess the efficacy of these weight loss patches.
Though these ingredients[13] may have certain promising weight loss effects, they may not be quite efficacious when used in patch form.
So it may be crucial for you to always consult your healthcare provider before you use them to reduce fat from specific areas of your body.
Alternative Weight Loss Methods
So weight loss patches may not be a credible way to help[15] you lose weight. However, the best method could be to modify your lifestyle.
Modifying your lifestyle by eating a strict diet and following[16] a regular exercise regime may help you to reach your realistic weight loss goals by making small gradual steps.
Moreover, you may always have a word with your doctor about the sustainable rate of weight loss per week.
At the same time, you could follow a low-calorie diet that can assist you in losing weight.
The number of calories a person may consume depends on different factors like activity level, weight, gender, age, and so on.
A nutritionist or your doctor could help you to track down your daily calorie intake and hence fabricate a personalized weight loss plan for you.
Though these measures are not easy, they may prove to be more productive as compared to weight loss patches.
Wrapping It Up
So this was all you need to know about the weight loss patches. The efficacy of these patches is still not confirmed by the researchers.
Moreover, the ingredients present in them also lack research if they could help you lose weight or not.
Though some of these ingredients may have benefits when they are consumed regularly, research is still needed.
Whether these benefits could be found when the ingredients are used in a patch is still unclear.
Additionally, it is always advisable to speak with the doctor before you use any of these products as they are not FDA-regulated.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Losing Weight. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html
- Benefits of moderate weight loss in people with obesity. Available from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/benefits-moderate-weight-loss-people-obesity
- Sabu M Chacko,Priya T Thambi, Ramadasan Kuttan, et al. Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. Chin Med. 2010; 5: 13. Published online 2010 Apr 6. doi: 10.1186/1749-8546-5-13
- T Isomura, S Suzuki, H Origasa, et al. Liver-related safety assessment of green tea extracts in humans: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016 Nov; 70(11): 1221–1229. Published online 2016 May 18. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2016.78
- Igho Onakpoya, Shao Kang Hung, Rachel Perry, et al. The Use of Garcinia Extract (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Weight loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. J Obes. 2011; 2011: 509038. Published online 2010 Dec 14. doi: 10.1155/2011/509038
- Kohsuke Hayamizu, Yuri Ishii, Izuru Kaneko, et al. Effects of garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) on visceral fat accumulation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2003 Sep; 64(8): 551–567. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2003.08.006
- Garcinia Cambogia. Available from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/garcinia-cambogia
- Garcinia Cambogia. Available from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia-cambogia
- Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla, Prashanti de Jager, et al. An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8(5 Suppl): 208–213. Published online 2011 Jul 3. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
- Jaysing Salve, Sucheta Pate, Khokan Debnath, et al. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019 Dec; 11(12): e6466.Published online 2019 Dec 25. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6466
- A. Lovegrove, C. H. Edwards, I. De Noni, et al. Role of polysaccharides in food, digestion, and health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Jan 22; 57(2): 237–253. Published online 2015 Apr 28. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2014.939263
- Hiroshi Shimoda, Emi Seki, and Michio Aitani.Inhibitory effect of green coffee bean extract on fat accumulation and body weight gain in mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006; 6: 9. Published online 2006 Mar 17. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-9
- Igho Onakpoya, Rohini Terry, and Edzard Ernst. The Use of Green Coffee Extract as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011; 2011: 382852. Published online 2010 Aug 31. doi: 10.1155/2011/382852
- Melina Oliveira de Souza, Maísa Silva, Marcelo Eustáquio Silva, Riva de Paula Oliveira, et al. Diet supplementation with acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp improves biomarkers of oxidative stress and the serum lipid profile in rats. Nutrition. 2010 Jul-Aug;26(7-8):804-10. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2009.09.007. Epub 2009 Dec 22. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20022468/
- Diet & Weight Loss. Available from https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/diet-and-weight-loss
- Weight-Loss and Maintenance Strategies. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221839/
- About the Author
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Louise Rodriguez is a full-time health and fitness writer. She considers herself a gym rat and takes pride in showing her biceps. She dedicates most of her time to her health. With the time left, she spreads information regarding health and fitness among the masses. Harry Potter is her first love.