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What is a Weight Loss Patch?

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Medical patches, also known as transdermal or skin patches, are an attractive alternative as a medication delivery system for those who either cannot or prefer not to take pills or receive medications via injection. Depending on the medication, patches can reduce side effects, as medicines are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the skin rather than having to pass through the stomach and liver to be metabolized as they would with a pill. Also, the slower, controlled-release absorption by the skin alleviates the wallop some injected medications may have when entering the system all at once, making for a gentler, seemingly less invasive approach to medication delivery. One such medication delivery system that is now offered is a weight loss patch.

Designed as a treatment for men and women who are overweight, manufacturers claim that a weight loss patch can deplete appetite, raise metabolism, boost energy, and promote weight loss. Ingredients vary by manufacturer, but commonly found in a weight loss patch are: fucus vesiculosus, 5 HTP, guarana, zinc pyruvate, yerba mate, flaxseed oil, lecithin, L-caritine, and zinc citrate. Fucus vesiculosus, also called bladder wrack, is a seaweed which is purported to stimulate the thyroid gland with iodine. In turn, the stimulated thyroid gland is said to increase metabolic rate and thus, promote weight loss. This bladder wrack seaweed is the “star” of most weight loss patches, though many other ingredients can also be found.

A scale.
A scale.

A weight loss patch can generally be adhered to the skin on any smooth part of the body. Most often, they are placed in areas that can be covered with clothing and aren't in danger of coming in contact with anything that would create friction and dislodge the weight loss patch. The upper back and hips are common places for application. Skin should be clean and dry, devoid of lotions or oils. Because the constant contact with skin can lead to redness and irritation, it is also recommended that patches be placed at a different location each time they are applied. Patches can remain in place for anywhere from one to several days, depending on the ingredients and manufacturer.

Flaxseed oil may be found in weight loss patches.
Flaxseed oil may be found in weight loss patches.

Reported side effects of the weight loss patch include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. As with any weight loss treatment, ingredients vary, and it's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the ingredients of a particular patch are not contraindicated when used in conjunction with other medications, conditions, or illnesses.

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

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Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcidi

I'm using the green tea patch and have been losing one to two pounds every week. It's really great!

A friend of mine was also using a weight loss patch, we started using them at the same time. Hers was from a different brand, she had purchased it online somewhere. She had to return hers because it was recalled. Apparently those patches did not contain anything and it was sort of a scam to get people to buy it.

So please watch out where you purchase patches. Always check with your doctor first and buy from reputable brands and companies.

discographer

@fify-- It's true that pills and patches generally have the same ingredients. I don't think one will make you lose more weight than the other if the ingredients are exactly the same. The benefits is the way it is used and its side effects.

I have also heard from several people however, that patches helped them lose weight whereas the pills didn't. Everybody is different and what works for one person might not work for another. So there is a possibility that patches will work for someone who's taken pills before without results. The exact opposite could happen too.

fify

Looking at some of these ingredients, it sounds like the patches are not too different than dieting capsules. I understand that there are benefits with how it enters into the body. But are there any other benefits in terms of losing weight?

Is it possible to lose more weight with patches than with tablets and capsules?

I would love to hear from people who have tried weight loss patches.

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    • A scale.
      By: Glenda Powers
      A scale.
    • Flaxseed oil may be found in weight loss patches.
      By: spline_x
      Flaxseed oil may be found in weight loss patches.
    • A weight loss patch is designed to deplete appetite, thus promoting weight loss.
      By: Mark Hayes
      A weight loss patch is designed to deplete appetite, thus promoting weight loss.