Introduction
What are slimming patches?
Slimming patches should be a "theoretically" rapid method to promote weight loss.
On these assumptions, companies operating in the fitness, wellness and weight loss sector continue to develop intricate marketing strategies, promoting solutions that are always different and almost never worthy of attention: slimming patches are part of this category.
Ingredients
What do the slimming patches contain?
The ingredients of the slimming patches are:
- Fucus vesiculosus (seaweed)
- 5-HTP
- Guarana
- Yerba mate
- Zinc pyruvate
- Linseed oil
- Lecithin
- L-carnitine
- Zinc citrate
- Acai berries
- Green tea extract
- White bean extract
- Guarana extract
- Ma Huang (Ephedra).
Mode of Use
How are slimming patches used?
Slimming patches work by skin application, directly on the affected area, once a day. They contain various ingredients of plant origin that penetrate (or should penetrate) gradually into the skin within 24 hours and exert their systemic or localized effect.
Mechanism
How should slimming patches work?
Today many types of slimming patches are available on the market which, for the most part, "should" act according to three mechanisms:
- Thermogenesis: increase of localized cellular basal metabolism (adipose tissue) and of fat disposal
- Bland anorectic effect: decreased appetite
- Reduction of carbohydrate absorption
Effectiveness
Do the slimming patches work?
There is no evidence to prove the effectiveness of slimming patches. Being marketed in the field of food supplements and cosmetics, unlike drugs, slimming patches do not have to comply with any standard of effectiveness. This is why they are not subjected to any demonstration test by the competent bodies (for example the Ministry of Health in Italy and the Food and Drug Administration in the USA).
The available studies on the effectiveness of slimming patches are carried out directly by the manufacturers, they are small and of little significance. In practice, they are totally lacking in the standards necessary to define the reliability of a scientific work.
Side effects
Do slimming patches have side effects?
Because they are regulated differently than drugs, food supplements and cosmetic products do not have to meet the same safety standards. This does not mean that they can be marketed regardless of possible unwanted reactions; on the other hand, many food supplements or cosmetic products, including slimming patches, are not tested in a completely adequate manner.
Furthermore, each slimming patch has a different composition; this means that the side effects can vary significantly based on the commercial choice. The best way to find out if a particular weight loss patch can adversely affect your health is to discuss it with a doctor, a chemist, or a pharmacist.
Unknown ingredients: can they trigger side effects?
Due to the fact that the FDA does not consider and regulate food supplements as real drugs, in the USA the side effects of slimming patches are not completely known; the same is true in Italy, even if a label appears on the label of each product indicating possible unwanted reactions (if known).
Due to this lack of information, many aspects of slimming patches are partially or totally unknown. In the United States, the FDA has found that the ingredients listed on the label do not always correspond to those actually contained in the product. In some dietary supplements and cosmetic products sold as "slimming" some prescription drug principles have also been found. This aspect is obviously very negative for the health of consumers. In fact, in addition to increasing the risk of an allergic reaction, there is the possibility of interaction with other drugs.
Unsafe ingredients of slimming patches
Even the known ingredients of slimming patches may not be safe. Many companies claim to use only ingredients that come naturally from plants; however, this in no way means that they are completely harmless. Just think of the toxins of a harmful fungus, the venom of a snake, the irritating effect of nettles or even just the allergens in the atmosphere.
Scientific research has shown in various situations that many of these natural herbal active ingredients may present the same dangers as prescription drugs. Guarana, for example, is a South American berry that some consider useful in weight loss. True or not, guarana is still able to increase heart rate by increasing the risk of arrhythmia. In 2004, Ephedra (Ma Huang) was banned by the FDA due to its potential health risks to consumers, such as the increased chance of cardiovascular events, stroke and therefore death.
Contraindications
Contraindications of slimming patches?
The slimming patches are absolutely to be avoided in case of:
- Age under 18 years
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Allergy to one or more active ingredients contained in them
- Predisposition, clinical history or in any case increased risk of cardiovascular and / or cerebrovascular diseases
- Underweight or other forms of malnutrition
- Eating disorders, including past ones.
Disputes
Disputes on slimming patches
In 2004, the "Federal Trade Commission" (FTC) reported a manufacturer for declaring the fake (or misleading consumers) of the effectiveness of slimming patches. The company defended itself by stating that, based on scientific research, its slimming patches are perfectly able to promote weight loss mainly thanks to the main ingredient ( Fucus vesiculosus seaweed), respectively approved by the FDA. The outcome of the lawsuit was that the slimming manufacturer stopped claiming what the FTC disputed.
