GLP-1 patches vs GLP-1 injections
GLP-1 injections, like semaglutide (Wegovy) and Mounjaro, have taken the weight loss industry by storm.
Naturally, others are now jumping on the bandwagon and making similar claims to grab a slice of the GLP-1 success. However, these medications are strictly regulated, require a prescription from a specialist, and are only suitable for individuals with a high enough BMI.
GLP-1 patches, sometimes known as weight loss patches, diet patches or slimming patches, are rapidly gaining attention on social media, and they're touted as the latest weight loss solution on par with Wegovy and Mounjaro. They’re also available as oral supplements, although this isn’t as well-known.
Marketed by paid influencers as a “cheaper alternative” to GLP-1 injections, these patches don’t actually contain any GLP-1 ingredients. This misleading claim poses risks, as it might tempt users to abandon their prescribed treatments in favour of these patches.
Not only is there little evidence to support the patches' effectiveness, but switching to these patches could lead to significant setbacks. Users may regain weight and be forced to restart their weight loss treatment from scratch, potentially losing both progress and money. If too much time passes between injections, starting over means returning to the lowest dose to avoid any side effects.
In this guide, we’ll explore these new GLP-1-inspired patches, whether they actually work, how they differ from authentic GLP-1 injections, and the growing concerns about misleading advertising.
What are GLP-1 patches?
GLP-1 patches are a topical supplement that you stick to your skin. Although they contain no actual GLP-1, they may have the potential to support the GLP-1 function in the body, which may help with weight loss.
These patches contain a mixture of natural extracts, such as berberine, green tea extract, cinnamon, mint, pomegranate and a selection of vitamins that are supposed to sink into your body over a period of time. Of course, it’s important to note that these ingredients can differ between patches.
They claim to help users manage their appetite, improve their metabolism, and reach their long-term weight loss target.
Usually, their hook focuses on the negatives of GLP-1 injections rather than the patches' effectiveness, making them seem more appealing. They’re cheaper and easier to use, and anyone can get ahold of them. But do they actually work?
Do GLP-1 patches work?
There’s little evidence to suggest that GLP-1 patches work for weight loss[1], making them impossible to compete with the clinically approved GLP-1 injections. The patches contain all-natural ingredients, with the key one being a compound known as berberine, which is found naturally in a range of plants.
Berberine[2] is thought to boost the release of GLP-1, a hormone that already exists in the body. This may aid people in managing both type 2 diabetes and weight loss, but it’s not easily absorbed in the intestines, meaning it can reduce its effectiveness.
These patches may even cause side effects[3]. Berberine can cause diarrhoea, constipation, excess gas and an upset stomach.
Some of these symptoms may be familiar to those using Wegovy or Mounjaro, but the side effects of GLP-1 injections typically settle once your body gets used to the medication. It’s uncertain how severe or how long these potential side effects can last with berberine.
Another important factor to consider is the placebo effect. Could these patches be effective for some users simply because they believe in the claimed benefits rather than because they are genuinely working?
Paid influencers can also raise concerns about the patches' credibility. Are they just promoting a product that doesn't work for the money, or are they genuinely supporting it with honest intentions?
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Do GLP-1 patches contain any GLP-1?
No, GLP-1 patches don’t contain any GLP-1. They likely got their name due to claims that berberine can influence the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body, not because of anything the patches themselves contain.
This can be misleading for many people. While it’s tempting to compare the cost of these patches to injections, it’s important to remember that these patches aren’t clinically approved, their effectiveness is limited, and we don’t fully know how safe they are.
Imagine you’re in pain—you’d likely reach for paracetamol over a herbal supplement because it’s trusted and proven to work. The same logic applies when choosing weight loss options. If you're eligible for treatment, weight loss injections are more likely to be effective than herbal patches or supplements.
Are GLP-1 patches better than weight loss injections?
If you’re looking for a weight loss treatment that’s clinically proven to be effective, it could be worth looking into weight loss injections. For example, with Mounjaro, you could lose up to 25% of your body weight[4] after one year of treatment. But it’s important to note that GLP-1 injections aren’t suitable for everyone, and you must meet the eligible criteria to be approved for treatment.
If you have a BMI of 30 and above or a BMI of 27 and above along with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you could be a suitable candidate for weight loss injections.
If you’re thinking about trying a different weight loss treatment because of the cost or eligibility of injections, always talk to your GP or a registered healthcare professional first. They can make sure it’s safe for you, especially if you’re taking other medicines or have existing health conditions. This is important because there’s limited information about the safety of these patches.
The concerns over GLP-1 patches
Weight loss patches have sparked major concerns, especially with how they’re hyped up on platforms like TikTok. Instead of being presented for what they really are—herbal adhesive patches—they’re often marketed as a cheaper, equally effective alternative to weight loss injections. But let’s be clear: that’s just not true.
This kind of misleading advertising can be risky. It preys on people’s trust, leading them to believe these patches work like GLP-1 injections or even contain GLP-1 active ingredients—which they don’t. Worse, it undermines the credibility of legitimate weight loss treatments.
