What’s a weight loss patch?

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Medical patches, also known as transdermal or skin patches, are an attractive alternative as a medication delivery system for those who cannot or prefer not to take pills or receive medications by injection. Depending on the medication, the patches may reduce side effects, since the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin instead of having to go through the stomach and liver to be metabolized as a pill would. In addition, the slower absorption and controlled release by the skin alleviates the shock that some injected medications can take by entering the system all at once, making it a gentler and seemingly less invasive approach to drug delivery. medicines. One such drug delivery system now being offered is a weight loss patch.

Designed as a treatment for overweight men and women, the manufacturers claim that a weight loss patch can suppress appetite, boost metabolism, increase energy and promote weight loss. Ingredients vary by manufacturer, but are commonly found in a weight loss patch: fucus vesiculosus, 5 HTP, guarana, zinc pyruvate, yerba mate, flaxseed oil, lecithin, L-caritin, and zinc citrate. Fucus vesiculosus, also called bladder wrap, is a seaweed that is supposed to stimulate the thyroid gland with iodine. In turn, the stimulated thyroid gland is said to increase the metabolic rate and thus promote weight loss. This bladderwrack seaweed is the “star” of most weight loss patches, although many other ingredients can be found as well.

A weight loss patch can usually be adhered to the skin on any smooth part of the body. Most of the time, they are placed on areas that can be covered by clothing and are not at risk of coming into contact with anything that could create friction and dislodge the weight loss patch. The upper back and hips are common application locations. Skin should be clean and dry, free of lotions and oils. Since constant contact with the skin can cause redness and irritation, it is also recommended to place the patches in a different location each time they are applied. The patches may stay in place for one to several days, depending on the ingredients and the manufacturer.

Reported side effects of the weight loss patch include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. As with any weight loss treatment, ingredients vary, and it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the ingredients in a particular patch are not contraindicated when used in conjunction with other medications, conditions, or diseases.

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