A weight loss patch is a self—adhesive bandage on which any active substances are applied. For example, caffeine, capsaicin, plant extracts and essential oils.
As a rule, such patches are recommended to be glued to the abdomen below the navel, hips or buttocks and left on the body for 6-8 hours. Manufacturers claim that it promotes fat burning, tightens the skin, removes cellulite, removes toxins and excess water, reduces appetite.
You can buy a box with 30-40 patches on almost any marketplace for 300-500 rubles. We are looking into whether it is worth spending money on them.
Patches may contain components that really contribute to weight loss: caffeine, capsaicin, catechins, green tea extract. Additives with these substances are capable of 1. R. Tabrizi, P. Saneei et al. The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: A systematic review and dos‑response meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials / Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
2. T. M. Jurgens, A. M. Whelan, L. Killian. Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults / The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
3. D. Tsi, A. Nah et al. Clinical study on the combined effect of capsaicin, green tea extract and essence of chicken on body fat content in human subjects / Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology
accelerate metabolism and increase weight loss, especially if a person is already on a diet.
But this applies to taking dietary supplements orally and the effects on the body as a whole. There is no evidence that transdermal delivery of the same caffeine or catechins can reduce body fat at the point of use. Moreover, scientists are still not sure that local remedies are able to effectively cope with body fat.
Methods of local fat burning exist, but they include the destruction of fat cells by injection of lipolytics, freezing (cryolipolysis), ultrasound or other exposure. As a result, adipocytes are damaged, their contents enter the body and are absorbed within a few weeks J. J. Peos. J. Ong. Effects of repeated use of a commercial topical lotion on subcutaneous fat thickness in resistance‐trained male athletes / Journal of cosmetic dermatology macrophages.
But local remedies like patches or gels cannot damage fat cells, and therefore their effectiveness remains questionable. There are few scientific papers on this topic, their quality is questionable, and the conclusions are ambiguous. Some are sponsored by 1. G. Escalante, P. Bryan, J. Rodriguez. Effects of a topical lotion containing aminophylline, caffeine, yohimbe, l‐carnitine, and gotu kola on thigh circumference, skinfold thickness, and fat mass in sedentary females / Journal of cosmetic dermatology
2. E. Dupont, M. Journet, M.L. Oula. An integral topical gel for cellulite reduction: results from a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled evaluation of efficacy / Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology
by the manufacturers of the funds, others do not confirm J. J. Peos. J. Ong. Effects of repeated use of a commercial topical lotion on subcutaneous fat thickness in resistance‐trained male athletes / Journal of cosmetic dermatology uses.
Thus, it is unclear how the substances from the patches destroy fat, whether they can enter the bloodstream and affect metabolism. Moreover, in most cases it is not even clear what is contained inside at all.
The composition of the product is rarely present in the product card. At best, they list several components without specifying their number, or even write "a mixture of oils", while stating that they are completely natural and very effective.
A weight loss patch may cause a local allergic reaction to any active substance of the drug. In addition, if the product contains caffeine, it can harm Caffeine Disease Interactions / Drugs.com for those who suffer from:
Therefore, if you have firmly decided to use a patch for weight loss, before using it, clarify its composition and find out from the therapist the possible consequences.
It can be concluded that weight loss patches are just as effective as regular patches. Or conspiracies about a slim waist. At best, after 6-8 hours of wearing, you will not find any difference, at worst, you will get irritation on the skin. So don't waste your money.
