Is an online video advertisement that implies people can rapidly lose weight by wearing a "slimming patch" on their skin realistic? No, that's not true: This is a misleading ad. A bariatric surgeon who also serves as a spokesperson for The Obesity Society told Lead Stories, "there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that slimming patches work." Another weight loss doctor who is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer told Lead Stories that "weight loss patches do not work."
The claim appeared in a video with a Facebook post on August 4, 2022. The caption begins:
Get back to normal size in no time!
Get it >> https://www.yoobing.com/prod.../perfect-detox-slimming-patch
This is how the post appeared at the time of writing:
(Image source: Facebook screenshot taken on Thur Aug 11 16:30:23 2022 UTC)
The video implies that a person wearing a slimming patch on any part of the body that's a problem area for them would see rapid weight loss in that area within one week. In the comment section, the post shared a link to another post that purportedly lists the ingredients used in this particular slimming patch.
Lead Stories reached out to Dr. Jihad Kudsi, a spokesperson for The Obesity Society who is board certified in obesity medicine and general surgery. He responded in an August 11, 2022, email saying that this claim is false:
There is not enough scientific evidence to prove that slimming patches work. Nothing can replace a healthy diet as well as a combination of cardio and strength training to help with long term successful weight loss. If all measures are not successful, prescription weight-loss drugs that are regulated by the FDA and prescribed by a board-certified physician can be a great help for weight loss.
In a February 23, 2022, Women's Health article titled, "Do Weight Loss Patches Actually Work? Experts Weigh In," Dr. Charlie Seltzer, a weight loss doctor who specializes in strength and conditioning, says, "there's no magic bullet when it comes to weight loss." The article also noted that the typical ingredients found in weight loss patches have very minimal benefits and may be harmful, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate weight loss patches.
Lead Stories reached out to Seltzer for an updated statement on the validity of this claim. In an August 10, 2022, email, he responded:
Weight loss patches DO NOT WORK! The only thing that works for weight loss in consuming fewer calories than you burn.
Lead Stories also reached out to the FDA about these claims and will update this story if a response is received.
Similar Lead Stories fact checks debunking claims concerning products guaranteeing rapid weight loss can be found here.
