“Ozembeek”-style patches promise easy weight loss… How effective are they?
With the increasing demand for weight loss drugs , patches have appeared in the markets and online, marketed as a simple alternative inspired by the drug Ozempic, promising to lose excess kilograms without injections or significant effort.
But can a patch applied to the skin really deliver the same results as prescription drugs? Or is it just an attractive marketing campaign lacking scientific evidence?
Advertisements for these patches are widespread across shopping websites and social media platforms, promising “amazing” and rapid results. They are sometimes accompanied by personal recommendations from individuals presented as doctors or experts.
However, independent fact-checkers have revealed that some of these recommendations are generated by artificial intelligence technologies, raising further doubts about the product’s credibility, according to a report published by the science website ” Science Alert “.
What are the ingredients of these patches?
These products are sometimes marketed under the name “GLP-1 patches,” referring to the class of drugs to which “Ozempic” belongs, but they do not actually contain the active ingredient “semaglutide,” nor similar compounds found in drugs such as “Mongaro” (terzepatide).
Instead, these patches consist of a mixture of herbal extracts, most notably:
- The Berbers.
- Green tea extract.
- Garcinia cambogia.
- Bitter orange.
Some laboratory studies suggest that compounds from these herbs may help suppress appetite, improve fat metabolism, or lower blood sugar. However, laboratory evidence does not necessarily translate to definitive results in humans.
In fact, recent scientific reviews show that the effect of these extracts on weight in human studies has been very limited or negligible.
What do the studies say?
- Berberine: Studies have shown that taking it in doses of up to 3 grams per day for a year had only a slight effect on weight and waist circumference.
- Green tea and Garcinia cambogia: Relatively high doses did not show a clear effect on weight during weeks of use.
- Bitter orange (synephrene): It did not lead to significant weight loss in the available studies.
It is important to note that all of these studies were conducted on oral formulations of herbal extracts, such as tablets or capsules, and not on extracts given via patches.
Can these substances penetrate the skin?
The delivery of any substance through the skin depends on its chemical properties and manufacturing process. The skin tends to absorb fatty substances, while it limits the absorption of water-soluble substances.
For this reason, “Ozempic” is given by injection, as its molecule is large and hydrophilic, which prevents it from penetrating the skin.
As for the herbal extracts in patches, if they are prepared using water-based methods, they are unlikely to penetrate the skin efficiently. Even if some absorption occurs, the amount of active ingredient in these patches is usually very small (less than 0.1 grams), whereas studies have required whole grams to demonstrate any limited effect.
What about safety?
These patches cannot be assumed to be safe simply because they are “herbal.” In Australia, for example, the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates medical products, and any herbal product must be registered before it can be sold.
These patches are not listed in the Australian Therapeutic Goods Register, which means their quality and safety have not been formally assessed.
An Australian study revealed that some unregistered herbal products were contaminated with undeclared plant materials, heavy metals, and even prescription drugs like warfarin. Such contaminants can be absorbed through the skin and enter the body, posing a health risk.
Despite the appeal of the idea of losing weight via a simple patch inspired by Ozembeek, current scientific evidence suggests that these products are ineffective and their safety is not guaranteed.
Instead of relying on marketing promises, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist to discuss scientifically proven, safe treatment options that are tailored to your health condition and goals.