Researchers found that companies are selling illegal patches claiming to work like popular weight-loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. These “natural GLP-1” patches violate federal law because dietary supplements must be swallowed, not worn on skin. The study examined 25 of these products and found they contain unproven ingredients, lack safety testing, make false claims, and have poor customer reviews. Experts warn these products don’t deliver what they promise and could put people’s health at risk.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether companies are illegally selling transdermal patches (patches you stick on skin) that claim to mimic the effects of prescription weight-loss drugs
  • Who participated: Researchers analyzed 25 different transdermal patch and gel products marketed as natural GLP-1 alternatives that are currently being sold to consumers
  • Key finding: All 25 products violate federal law because dietary supplements must be taken by mouth, not worn on skin. Most products lacked proper safety testing, honest labeling, and customer reviews showed they don’t work as advertised
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering buying these patches, they’re illegal, unproven, and likely won’t help you lose weight. Stick with FDA-approved medications prescribed by your doctor instead

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a detailed examination of 25 transdermal patch and gel products being sold online and in stores as natural alternatives to GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). They reviewed the ingredient lists, checked for required FDA disclaimers, looked for safety testing certificates, examined advertising claims, and read customer reviews to assess product quality and effectiveness.

The team identified what ingredients these products contained (averaging 7 different ingredients per product) and noted which ones appeared most frequently across different brands. They also documented whether companies provided proof that their products were tested for safety and purity, and whether they made false or misleading claims about what the patches could do.

This approach allowed researchers to understand the scope of the problem, identify common patterns in how these illegal products are marketed, and gather evidence about whether they actually work based on what real customers experienced.

This research matters because many people are desperate for weight-loss solutions and can’t access prescription medications due to cost or insurance restrictions. Unscrupulous companies are taking advantage of this by selling products that sound scientific but are actually illegal and ineffective. Understanding the extent of this problem helps protect consumers from wasting money and potentially harming their health with unproven products.

This is a straightforward product analysis published in a respected pharmacy journal. The researchers directly examined actual products being sold, reviewed their labels and advertising, and checked customer feedback. The main limitation is that this is a descriptive study documenting what exists rather than testing whether the products work. However, the findings are clear: these products violate federal law and lack the scientific evidence needed to support their claims.

What the Results Show

Researchers found 25 products (24 patches and 1 gel) being sold as natural GLP-1 alternatives. Every single one violates federal law because the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act requires dietary supplements to be swallowed, not applied to skin.

The products contained an average of 7 different ingredients, with berberine, glutamine, cinnamon, and pomegranate appearing most frequently. However, none of these ingredients have been proven to work like actual GLP-1 medications. Most products did not provide certificates of analysis—official documents proving the product contains what the label claims and is free from contaminants.

Many products lacked the required FDA disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. This suggests companies were making illegal health claims. Customer reviews were overwhelmingly negative, with many products receiving only 1 or 2 stars out of 5. Customers reported the patches didn’t work and some experienced unwanted side effects.

The research revealed deceptive marketing practices across multiple products. Companies used misleading language suggesting their patches worked like prescription GLP-1 drugs without providing any scientific evidence. Some products made specific weight-loss claims that are illegal for dietary supplements to make. The lack of transparency about ingredients and manufacturing processes raises additional safety concerns, as consumers have no way to verify what they’re actually buying.

This research adds to growing concerns about counterfeit and illegal weight-loss products flooding the market. As prescription GLP-1 medications have become popular for weight loss, scammers have increasingly created fake alternatives. Previous research has documented similar problems with other dietary supplements making false claims. This study shows the problem is widespread and organized, with multiple companies using similar deceptive tactics.

This study documents what products exist and what they claim, but doesn’t include laboratory testing of the products themselves to see if they contain what labels claim or if they’re contaminated. The researchers relied on customer reviews to assess effectiveness, which is less reliable than controlled scientific testing. However, the legal violations and lack of safety testing are clear facts that don’t require additional testing to confirm.

The Bottom Line

Do not purchase transdermal GLP-1 patches. They are illegal, unproven, and customer reviews show they don’t work. If you’re interested in weight-loss medication, talk to your doctor about FDA-approved options like semaglutide or tirzepatide, or discuss other evidence-based approaches. If cost is a barrier, ask your doctor about generic options or patient assistance programs. (Confidence level: Very High—this is based on clear legal violations and documented lack of efficacy)

Anyone considering buying these patches should care about this research. People struggling with weight loss who can’t access prescription medications are the primary targets of these scams. Healthcare providers should also be aware to warn patients about these illegal products. Insurance companies and policymakers should consider this evidence when making decisions about coverage.

These products don’t work, so there is no realistic timeline for seeing benefits. Actual GLP-1 medications typically show results within weeks to months when used as prescribed, but these patches have no proven effect at any timeframe.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using an app to track weight-loss efforts, focus on tracking evidence-based interventions: daily food intake, physical activity minutes, and weight trends over 4-week periods. Avoid tracking or purchasing any transdermal supplement patches.
  • Use the app to connect with your healthcare provider to discuss legitimate weight-loss options. Set reminders to research FDA-approved medications and schedule appointments to discuss prescription options, generic alternatives, or insurance coverage solutions.
  • Track your progress using only evidence-based methods: balanced nutrition, physical activity, and prescribed medications if appropriate. Monitor for any products making unrealistic claims and report them to the FDA. Use the app to maintain accountability with your healthcare team rather than relying on unproven products.

This research documents illegal products that violate federal law and lack scientific evidence of effectiveness. These products are not approved by the FDA and should not be used as alternatives to prescription medications. If you’re interested in weight-loss treatment, consult with a licensed healthcare provider who can discuss FDA-approved medications, potential risks and benefits, and whether these options are appropriate for your individual health situation. Do not purchase or use transdermal GLP-1 patches. If you’ve already purchased these products and experienced adverse effects, consult your healthcare provider and consider reporting the product to the FDA’s MedWatch program.