L-carnitine is an amino acid found in high protein foods like red meat, poultry, milk, and beans. It helps move fatty acids into your cells, where they can be burned for energy. Patch manufacturers claim that getting more of it could help you burn more fat. Side effects An article in the British Journal of Pharmacology explains how manufacturers of transdermal patches face several challenges when developing their products. In short, even patches with potentially beneficial and seemingly safe ingredients probably aren’t worth it. They won’t contribute much to your weight loss efforts — and they could put your health at risk.

Bérubé-Parent S, et al. (2005). Effects of encapsulated green tea and Guarana extracts containing a mixture of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and caffeine on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men. DOI: Jurgens, T. M., et al. (2012). Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. There’s no research on side effects of green tea weight loss patches. However, drinking green tea is perfectly safe. But thanks to the caffeine, green tea can mess with your stomach and cause nausea or constipation. It can also spike your blood pressure. Are they BS? Patches made with caffeine-rich herbs like guarana or yerba mate might help you burn a few more calories, but they could also leave you feeling lousy.It’s also worth noting that the location where you apply the patch does not matter either, says Dr. Moreno. “If a transdermal patch was effective, it would work in any skin area, and location should not matter,” he explains. “If these patches had evidence of working for weight loss, I would be using them in my obesity medicine practice, however, there is no evidence that they work.” Is there any harm in trying a patch? These patches are intended to work transdermally, which means the active ingredients go directly into the skin, bypassing your digestive system. That's the key difference between patches and oral supplements you’d ingest, such as in pill or powder form, says Charlie Seltzer, MD, a weight loss physician and exercise physiologist based in Philadelphia. Onakpoya I, et al. (2011). The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. DOI: Jurgens TM, et al. (2012). Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. DOI:

Flaxseeds contain fiber, which can make you feel full, so you might take in fewer calories overall. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can work as an anti-inflammatory. Side effects Elsayed RK, et al. (2011). Rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of a mislabeled "acai berry" dietary supplement. DOI:

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DeFina LF, et al. (2011). Effects of omega-3 supplementation in combination with diet and exercise on weight loss and body composition. DOI: Weight loss patches aren’t regulated by the FDA. They could contain unsafe ingredients or high doses of questionable substances. If that’s not reason enough to be wary, there’s also zero evidence that they’re a safe or effective tool for weight loss. One of the benefits of using a patch is avoiding the need for the medicine to pass through the digestive tract. If the digestive system metabolizes an ingredient before the blood absorbs it, it may lose its effectiveness. Doctors recommend following a low calorie diet to aid weight loss. The number of calories that a person should consume every day depends on several factors, including their baseline weight, gender, age, and activity level. A doctor or nutritionist can help a person calculate the best total daily calorie intake and macronutrient breakdown for them. The FDA have not approved the use of weight loss patches because no evidence is currently available on their effectiveness and safety.

Onakpoya, I., et al. (2011). The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Hokuto mint is sometimes used as a flavoring, like in toothpaste, but there has been little recent research on applying it to your skin. As the FDA do not regulate weight loss patches, people should speak with a doctor before using any of these products. Weight loss patches, in theory, are similar to weight loss pills. But instead of being taken in an oral supplement, the active ingredients penetrate your skin via the patch. From there, they move into your bloodstream and, allegedly, can work their fat-melting magic.

Can’t blame ya if you’re still curious, thanks to influencers touting their superpowers. Ahead, everything you need to know about weight loss patches, according to doctors. Charlie Seltzer, MD, is a weight loss physician and exercise physiologist based in Philadelphia. First off, what are weight loss patches?

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.There’s no credible evidence that acai berry — as a fruit, a juice, a pill, or a patch — can help you lose weight, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).