"GLP-1 patches are being pushed on TikTok Shop, despite the platform's ban on selling weight-loss products. Recent posts flagged by Olivia Little of Media Matters promise weight loss, reduced appetite, and fewer cravings-without the cost of injections. One caption reads: "Don't waste your $$ on the [shot emoji]." Another creator wrote, "See yall in a month with no waist [hourglass emoji].""
""Consumer 'GLP-1 patches' sold through social platforms are unregulated and have no credible clinical evidence showing they deliver therapeutic GLP-1 drug levels," Dr. Castel Santana, medical director at 10X Health, tells Fast Company. "Established GLP-1 receptor agonists given by prescription-for example, weekly semaglutide or tirzepatide injections-have been tested in large randomized clinical trials and produce substantial, measurable weight loss and metabolic benefits," he continues. "By contrast, the patches on social platforms often lack ingredient transparency, dosing controls, and regulatory oversight.""
GLP-1-labeled patches are being promoted and sold on TikTok Shop with claims of weight loss, reduced appetite, and fewer cravings, sometimes including shoppable links for in-app purchases. These listings conflict with TikTok's prohibited-products policy that bans items claiming to aid weight management or fat reduction. Supplement makers have flooded the market with pills, powders, and patches branded as GLP-1 products that typically contain no actual GLP-1 agonist drugs. Medical experts state that consumer GLP-1 patches are unregulated and lack credible clinical evidence of delivering therapeutic GLP-1 drug levels. Prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have demonstrated efficacy in large randomized trials. Supplements are not subject to FDA approval or the same rigorous safety and efficacy testing as pharmaceuticals.
Read at Fast Company
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