One of the latest weight loss aids that are creating some interest are weight loss patches. Clients at Next Level Fitness in Irvine, CA have asked whether these work or are a waste of money. Exactly what are these patches? They work like nicotine patches or pain patches and deliver the ingredients trans-dermally, meaning via the skin, then go into the bloodstream.
What are some of the problems with patches.
The patch contains specific ingredients that are supposed to help with weight loss or a combination of them and sometimes ingredients to help delivery. Not all ingredients that might help with weight loss can be delivered that way, some have molecules that are too large to enter via the skin. Other problems occur in measuring the amount of the ingredient that the patch delivers. Is there enough to be effective, while still being safe. To add to the problem, not all areas of skin absorb ingredients at the same rate. Humidity and heat also affect absorption.
What are the various types of ingredients used in patches?
There are a lot of different patches on the market. Some include one active ingredient, while others may include many. Ingredients used include green coffee bean extract, green tea, acai berry, ephedra, Hokuto mint/Japanese mint, flaxseed oil and bitter orange. There are few if any studies done on the effectiveness of the patches. They aren’t regulated by the FDA either, so little is known about overall potential risk.
The ingredients used have been studied for weight loss when taken orally.
One of the benefits of patches, which is also one of negatives, is that the ingredients bypass the stomach and digestive system and go directly into the bloodstream. While they will deliver the unaffected ingredient directly into the blood, nobody has tested whether that makes a difference on safety, effectiveness or results. The dosage level isn’t addressed either when delivered differently and at full strength.
- One ingredient that could be found in weight loss patches is ephedra. It does boost metabolism, but also has been found to have dangerous side effects. The FDA banned it, but since patches aren’t regulated, some could contain it.
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil do help weight loss, but not in a way that can be reproduced in patches. The ingredients in both slow digestion and the fiber in flaxseed make you feel full. Tests on flaxseed oil patches have not shown effectiveness.
- You’d be better off saving your money and including the ingredients in your diet. For instance, invest in green tea bags and drink it throughout the day. Not only does it help with weight loss, it helps boost good health.
- While it sounds like a great idea to use patches, since they’re so convenient, but you could be wasting your money or even worse, gambling with your health. Eating healthy and a program of regular exercise is still the best way to take off weight and prevent it from returning.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness