Recent promotions for weight-loss patches inspired by the drug Ozempic have gained traction online, but experts are urging caution. These patches, often marketed as a painless alternative to injections, promise significant weight loss with minimal evidence to support their claims. Some endorsements circulating on social media, including those from individuals claiming to be medical professionals, have been found to be generated by artificial intelligence.
Understanding the Composition of Ozempic-Style Patches
Also referred to as GLP-1 patches, these products do not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients such as semaglutide—the active component in Ozempic—or similar medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Instead, they typically comprise a blend of herbal extracts, including berberine, green tea (Camellia sinensis), Garcinia cambogia, and bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium L.).
While laboratory studies indicate that some of these ingredients may suppress appetite and aid in glucose regulation, translating those results to real-world weight loss is not straightforward. For instance, research suggests that the consumption of berberine does not lead to substantial weight loss, with one comprehensive review indicating that dosages of up to 3 grams daily only resulted in minor changes in weight and waist circumference.
Further evidence from studies analyzing green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia showed no significant impact on weight loss when dosages were administered over various periods. In fact, a review found that a daily intake of up to 2.4 grams of green tea extract for 13 weeks and over 4 grams of Garcinia cambogia for 17 weeks did not yield weight loss results. Similarly, a daily dose of 54 milligrams of synephrine from bitter orange extract did not lead to any measurable weight loss over eight weeks.
Challenges of Transdermal Delivery
The effectiveness of these patches also raises questions regarding their ability to deliver active ingredients through the skin. The skin’s composition favors the absorption of oily or fat-soluble substances while blocking water-soluble compounds. Since the drug molecules in Ozempic are too large and hydrophilic to be absorbed transdermally, the same may apply to the extracts in the patches. If these extracts are processed in a water-based solution, they are unlikely to penetrate the skin effectively.
Moreover, the amount of herbal extract contained in these patches is minimal. Typically, such patches hold less than 0.1 grams of extract, a far cry from the grams required to produce any noticeable effects as evidenced in clinical studies.
Regulatory Concerns and Safety Issues
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees the regulation of medical products, including herbal supplements. For a herbal product to be sold, it must be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Currently, there are no Ozempic-style patches on this register, indicating that their quality and safety have not been independently verified.
A study conducted in Australia highlighted risks associated with unregistered herbal products, reporting instances of contamination with undeclared substances, heavy metals, and even prescription drugs such as warfarin. These contaminants pose significant health risks, as they can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
In summary, while the concept of weight-loss patches inspired by Ozempic may appear attractive, their efficacy is unproven, and their safety remains questionable. For those considering weight loss solutions, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can recommend safe and effective methods tailored to individual health goals.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. For further reading, please refer to the original article.
