GLP-1 Patches: Do They Work For Weight Loss?

GLP-1 patches are marketed as weight loss tools that conveniently deliver GLP-1-like effects, similar to medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, but without the need for an injection.

However, there is little scientific evidence that proves GLP-1 patches are effective. Despite this, they are becoming increasingly popular on social media outlets like TikTok because of influencers and their considerably lower price compared to GLP-1 agonists. But do they actually work?

In this guide, we explore what GLP-1 patches are, whether they work for weight loss, and discuss risks and safety concerns surrounding them.

GLP-1 patches are topical adhesive patches that can be bought over-the-counter or online without a prescription, which are marketed as a weight loss aid. They often include GLP-1 in their branding, referring to glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring digestive hormone whose actions are mimicked by weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and liraglutide.

The simple answer is no because there is no scientific evidence to show that GLP-1 patches actually help you lose weight. Most of the ingredients included in the patches have only been shown to be mildly effective in oral preparations or have been poorly studied.

Why “GLP-1” is misleading

The names GLP-1 patches, Wegovy patches, Mounjaro patches, or their alternatives are misleading because these patches do not contain GLP-1 peptides, such as tirzepatide, semaglutide, or liraglutide.

Additionally, unlike Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Nevolat, GLP-1 patches are not regulated and have not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

What ingredients are used in GLP-1 patches?

GLP-1 patches do not contain active GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, like prescription weight loss injections. Instead, they are supplements that usually contain natural extracts, vitamins, or herbal remedies, which may be marketed as mimicking or enhancing the effects of GLP-1. Some of the ingredients used include:

• berberine – a natural plant compound that has shown a positive effect on blood sugar levels in animal studies and may regulate cholesterol absorption in humans
• green tea extract – high dose green tea extract has been shown to support significant weight loss, which may be due to its ability to inhibit the secretion of ghrelin, a hunger hormone
• Garcinia cambogia – a review of 8 clinical trials found that supplementation with Garcinia cambogia resulted in an average weight loss of 1.34kg
• other vitamins and minerals – some patches contain nutrients like chromium, cinnamon, and pomegranate

Despite limited evidence that some of these ingredients may support weight loss, there is little scientific proof that their delivery through the skin via a patch is effective.

Even though GLP-1 patches are not a type of medication, they can still cause side effects. However, because they have not been rigorously tested like weight loss injections and pills, there is no clear set of side effects they could cause. This is also made more complicated by the fact that different patches contain different ingredients.

Some of the side effects that some of the ingredients in GLP-1 patches could cause include:

• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea
• heartburn
• headaches
• skin reactions

Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Nevolat, are clinically proven and effective medications. They contain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by binding to the GLP-1 receptors in your body to suppress your appetite, curb food cravings, and support weight loss. They are often delivered via self-administered injections, although GLP-1 pills for weight loss are currently in development.

The actions, safety, and effectiveness of these medications have been supported by clinical trials and have received regulatory approval. This means they are safe and legal for use in weight management in the UK. If you meet the specific criteria needed to obtain these medications, you can do so via a private prescription, or they may be available to you on the NHS.

If you are considering weight loss medications, it’s essential to choose a safe and medically approved treatment that is not only effective but also provided by a trusted and regulated provider, such as Superdrug Online Doctor.

Wegovy

Wegovy is a weekly weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Clinical trial data show that Wegovy can help you lose an average of 21% of your starting body weight at the highest maintenance dose of 7.2mg per week over 72 weeks.

The most common side effects of Wegovy are:

• headache
• feeling or being sick
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• weakness or tiredness

These effects are most likely to occur when you first start treatment or when you increase your dose of the medication.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is another GLP-1 receptor agonist, but it also binds to GIP receptors, enhancing its effects on weight loss and blood sugar control. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and has been shown to help people lose up to 22.5% of their initial body weight at its highest dose of 15mg per week after 72 weeks.

The most common side effects of Mounjaro include:

• diarrhoea
• feeling or being sick
• constipation
• low blood sugar levels
• stomach pain

Due to a national price increase, Mounjaro may no longer be an affordable long-term option, but our doctors can help you safely switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

Nevolat

Nevolat is a generic version of liraglutide, which was previously available under the brand name Saxenda. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, but unlike Mounjaro and Wegovy, it requires daily injection. Research shows that Nevolat can help you lose up to 8% of your weight over 56 weeks at the highest dose.

The most common Nevolat side effects are:

• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• headache

Weight loss pills

If weight loss injections are not for you, then weight loss pills may be a more suitable alternative. Although these are not GLP-1 medications, they can help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite, stopping some of the fat you eat from being absorbed, and working on the reward centre in the brain to make food less satisfying. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide:

• orlistat, also available under the brand name Xenical, works by stopping some of the fat you eat from being absorbed, helping 37% of people lose at least 5% of their body weight after 12 weeks
• alli is an over-the-counter version of orlistat, which can be obtained without a prescription if you meet certain criteria
• Mysimba is a weight loss pill that contains the active ingredients bupropion and naltrexone, which work to reduce your appetite, supporting an average of 8.1% weight loss after 56 weeks

Note: For any weight loss medication to be effective, you will need to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy, balanced, calorie-controlled diet and engaging in regular exercise.

Despite claims made online and their rising popularity, GLP-1 patches do not contain GLP-1 agonists, are not regulated, and lack evidence to support their effectiveness. And, without regulatory approval, their safety profile is unknown. That’s why, if you’re considering weight loss medication, it is essential to choose one that is safe, approved, and effective.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, our weight loss service can help you access the medication you need safely and effectively. Our doctors will prescribe and monitor your progress to ensure the medication you take is suitable for you.

Are GLP-1 patches safe?

No, GLP-1 patches are not considered safe for weight loss in the UK, as they have not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). That means there is a lack of testing surrounding their safety and efficacy, unlike approved weight loss medications. Without rigorous testing, these patches may contain harmful ingredients and even cause side effects.

Are GLP-1 patches legal in the UK?

Although you can buy GLP-1 patches online, they are not approved by the MHRA, which means there is no guarantee that they are safe or effective, the ingredients have not been tested, and there is no regulation if you experience side effects. If you are looking for weight loss treatment, you should only ever buy from a trusted and licensed service and choose treatments that are MHRA-approved and prescribed by a qualified medical professional.

Are GLP-1 patches better than weight loss injections?

No, GLP-1 patches are not better than weight loss injections. GLP-1 weight loss injections are clinically proven and approved for weight loss, while patches are not. They are often ineffective and contain unregulated and untested ingredients, which can make them potentially unsafe.

Why are companies allowed to sell these patches?

Although these patches claim to be GLP-1 patches, they do not contain ingredients or medications that mimic the actions of GLP-1. Instead, they likely got their name because there have been some claims that ingredients like berberine can influence the action of naturally occurring GLP-1 in the body, rather than due to the ingredients within the patch. This is misleading, but since these patches contain no medications, it is likely why they are allowed to be sold, even if they are being mislabeled.