Diet Patches – Do They Work?

Diet patches seem like every dieter’s dream: simply place on your skin, make no changes to the way you eat or exercise, and the pounds will simply drop off! Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it is. Diet patches, like most diet pills, have never been proven to effectively promote weight loss, and because they’re not regulated by the FDA, they could be harmful. Now what’s in these patches that lead people to think they’ll help them lose weight?

What are the Main Ingredients in Diet Patches?

Some ingredients in diet patches, such as chromium, guarana, and seaweed extracts have been shown in small studies to boost metabolism and inhibit carbohydrate absorption (see our article on carb blockers), but most have not been studied on a long-term basis or been found to have significant results. Hydroxycitric acid is also a popular ingredient in diet patches, but in a recent study by the American Medical Association, HCA was not shown to produce any measurable weight loss in overweight participants(see link to study at the bottom of the page).

What about Diet Patches with Hoodia?

Hoodia has become quite famous recently for its miraculous ability to boost metabolism, help users lose weigh quickly and build muscle. Unfortunately, hoodia testing is rare and hasn’t been shown to be very effective for weight loss. What’s more is that ConsumerLab.com, an organization that tests products and their label claims, came to the conclusion that there are more hoodia products being sold in stores now than could possibly be made from the world’s supply of hoodia, so if you think you’re getting a hoodia product, chances are it’s a fake.

Should I Try A Diet Patch?

The short answer to this question is no. They haven’t been proven to work and could be harmful in combination with other prescription or over the counter medications. Be sure to talk to your physician before starting any new diet or exercise plan. If you do decide to try out a diet patch, read the label claims and ingredients very careful, and stop use immediately if you have negative or harmful side effects. One last word: never underestimate a diet high in lean protein, veggies and whole grains and full of exercise.