Do GLP-1 patches work for weight loss? Experts weigh in
Everyone knows about injectable weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound, but a new option is emerging: weight loss patches.
These brands are a type of GLP-1 drug primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes. They work by imitating a natural hormone in your body that helps control blood sugar and can lead to weight loss.
Recently, Serena Williams shared that she has lost 31 pounds after using Zepbound. She said that she decided to try the injection to help her with her postpartum body, which she observed has helped her feel better overall. Aside from the former athlete, other notable stars who have used GLP-1 medication include Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, and Rebel Wilson.
The price of the injectables, however, can be quite steep, with some reaching up to P15,000 per box.
The demand for these drugs has led to a new trend: GLP-1 patches. They are marketed as a convenient, needle-free alternative that you stick onto your skin. It's cheaper, too, at $30 (P1,300) for a box of 60 patches on e-commerce sites.
They claim to help with weight loss by slowly releasing stimulants through the skin. But medical experts are raising concerns.
Are they effective?
General physician Jan Michael Bautista said that these patches are ineffective because they do not contain the active GLP-1 component found in FDA-approved medications. Instead, they typically contain unregulated ingredients like herbal extracts and vitamins.
He added that GLP-1 patches have no clinical data to support their claims of weight loss. The injection version, meanwhile, has robust clinical trial data showing it can lead to an average weight loss of 15-25% over a period of 67-72 weeks.
Cosmetic surgeon Maika Slatensek added that the marketing is largely misleading, as GLP-1 is a large molecule that cannot be absorbed through the skin.
She said that several companies are pursuing innovative patch technologies to deliver GLP‑1 or semaglutide in non-injection forms, but these are still in clinical trials.
'It has to be guided'
Like all medications, GLP-1 injections can have side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. According to Slatensek, these symptoms affect up to 40% of patients, especially when they first start treatment, but are generally mild to moderate and improve over time. Other less common side effects can include headaches and fatigue, while rare but serious risks include acute pancreatitis and severe gastrointestinal issues.
In contrast, there are no reported side effects for GLP-1 patches yet, as no safety profile has been developed for them.
Health experts strongly advise against using GLP-1 medications without medical supervision. "It has to be guided by a physician, especially an endocrinologist," said Bautista. He explained that these drugs are primarily prescribed to help diabetic patients control their blood sugar, and weight loss is a "desirable side effect, but is not the main reason it is prescribed."
"Whether or not to use GLP-1 patches should be up to the discretion of the patient, where they should be properly educated as to the unreliable data that is associated with GLP-1 patches," Bautista also noted.
Slatensek adds a strong warning against self-medicating, urging patients to "choose wisely."
"Regardless of what you choose, please let a trained doctor guide you on how to take these meds, and do not self-medicate. Also, choose wisely, FDA-approved or reputable distributors for these drugs," she said.
