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TikTok Trend Alert: Unverified Weight-loss Patches Surge in Popularity, Fueling Debate and Sales – A new wave of weight-loss products marketed through TikTok is drawing scrutiny from medical professionals while simultaneously generating substantial income for users promoting them. These transdermal patches, claiming too mimic the effects of GLP-1 agonist medications like ozempic and Wegovy, are experiencing a rapid rise in sales despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.
The patches, often sold through TikTok shop, have become a focal point for content creators sharing personal testimonials. One such creator,Jessica Morales,reports selling “hundreds” daily,earning an estimated $200-$300 per day,and $5,000 in July alone. Another anonymous TikTok Shop seller claims to have generated $70,000 in revenue during a single month. These earnings are prompting questions about potential conflicts of interest, as creators simultaneously use and sell the product.
the core claim behind the patches is that they deliver ingredients transdermally – through the skin – to suppress appetite and promote weight loss, mirroring the action of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have gained prominence for their weight-loss effects, but require a prescription and are administered via injection. The patches, however, are available over-the-counter.
Medical experts remain highly skeptical. Dr. fatima Isaac, a physician interviewed regarding the trend, unequivocally states, “There’s no data to support these. It’s a complete waste of money. Someone’s trying to make a rapid buck off this.” The FDA has not approved these patches for weight loss,and their ingredients and manufacturing processes are largely unregulated.
The appeal of the patches extends to individuals seeking alternatives to prescription medications. Melissa lagano, a 45-year-old resident of connecticut, turned to the patches after successfully losing 20 pounds with Tirzepatide (another GLP-1 agonist) but wanting to discontinue the medication. She reports her weight has remained stable while using the patches, acknowledging the possibility of a placebo effect.
This reliance on the placebo effect is not seen as detrimental by some users, including Hargens, a 34-year-old who has struggled with weight management. she believes that even if the benefit is psychological, it is indeed still valuable. The growing popularity of these patches highlights a broader trend: the increasing influence of social media on health and wellness choices, and the potential for unverified products to gain traction through personal testimonials and viral marketing. The price point of these patches typically ranges from $20 to $50 per pack, containing 30 patches, according to listings on TikTok Shop.
