"Expert Analysis: The Truth About GLP-1 Patches for Weight Loss"

About the Expert

• Natasha Bhuyan, MD, board-certified family physician at Amazon One Medical in Phoenix, AZ, and One Medical’s national medical director and vice president of in-office care. Dr. Bhuyan's areas of expertise include GLP-1 medications and their impact on patients.

Highlights

• GLP-1 patches may not be the quick weight-loss fix they appear to be and may contain ingredients that might not deliver the results you expect.
• There are potential risks to using GLP-1 patches that you should know about first.
• A doctor reveals safer, proven options for starting your weight-loss journey.

More Americans are turning to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss help, according to a recent report, indicating a growing interest in these prescription medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes. These medications mimic a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite, often leading to significant weight loss.

Recently, GLP-1 patches have been gaining popularity as a convenient, needle-free alternative to injectables. However, Dr. Natasha Bhuyan emphasizes that there is currently no FDA-approved patch for GLP-1, and these patches do not contain the active medications responsible for weight-loss effects.

What are GLP-1 Patches?

Despite their name, GLP-1 patches do not contain prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists. Marketed as over-the-counter supplements, the active ingredients are purported to be absorbed through the skin to aid in weight loss. However, these patches are not regulated to the same standards as FDA-approved medications, and their claims are not supported by rigorous clinical trials.

Do GLP-1 Patches Really Work for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 patches typically contain ingredients like B-vitamin complex, berberine, cinnamon extract, and L-glutamine. While these supplements have some health benefits, evidence linking them to significant weight loss, especially when delivered through a patch, is lacking. Dr. Bhuyan points out that these supplements are not proven to aid in weight loss, and their benefits in patch form have not been extensively studied.

Risks and Side Effects of GLP-1 Patches

Since GLP-1 patches are classified as dietary supplements, they are not subject to the same regulatory standards as prescription medications. This lack of regulation can lead to variations in product quality, dosage, and ingredients. Skin irritation is a common side effect of these patches, and their cost may not be justified by any discernible benefits.

What to Do If You Want to Lose Weight

While the appeal of a weight-loss patch may be tempting, Dr. Bhuyan recommends starting a weight loss journey with evidence-based methods. Consulting a primary care provider can help create a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, physical activity recommendations, behavioral support, and FDA-approved medications prescribed for safety and efficacy.

Research is ongoing into innovative delivery methods for GLP-1 medications, such as microneedle patches. However, these options have yet to be tested in humans, and their safety and effectiveness remain uncertain. For now, partnering with healthcare providers on proven strategies is the most reliable approach to achieving safe and lasting weight loss results.

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