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TikTok’s GLP-1 patches are trending in the UK, but they’re not what they seem. Despite claims of “Ozempic in a sticker,” these patches do not contain licensed medications. Most include herbal stimulants and lack any scientific backing. This article breaks down why semaglutide cannot currently be delivered through skin, what the MHRA says about such products, and how to choose safe, evidence-based obesity treatments in the UK.
How GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic work
After you eat, a hormone called GLP-1 is released by your gut1. This causes your pancreas to release insulin and, importantly, helps your body to tell your brain “I’m full”. Ozempic, which is a brand name for a drug called semaglutide, is what’s known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of GLP-12.
GLP-1 drugs were initially developed to help treat type 2 diabetes by regulating insulin release3. However, it has become well known for its ability to reduce feelings of hunger. GLP-1 drugs have been shown to support sustained weight loss by reducing appetite and food intake4.
Why can’t semaglutide be absorbed through the skin?
Your skin forms a protective barrier to prevent harmful pathogens and molecules from entering your body. The size of molecules can be measured in Daltons, and typically only molecules smaller than 500 Daltons have any chance of entering through the skin and into the bloodstream5.
Nicotine, for example, is around 162 Daltons and can therefore be absorbed into the bloodstream via nicotine patches6. Semaglutide, on the other hand, is over 4000 Daltons and is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin7.
What’s in TikTok’s “GLP-1” patches?
Products sold as “GLP-1” patches do not contain GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues (similar molecules). Instead, they contain ingredients that they claim help your body produce GLP-1 naturally, such as caffeine, berberine, and other herbal extracts. While there is evidence that some ingredients may promote GLP-1 production in the body8,9, there is little evidence that these can reduce body fat long-term10.
UK Regulation and Consumer Safety
No MHRA approval for GLP-1 patches
GLP-1 patches are not authorised by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means that any product labelled as a “GLP-1” patch does not contain any active GLP-1. Companies that use names like Ozempic on herbal products are misleading customers and potentially breaking the law.
Dangers of unlicensed weight loss products
Unlicensed weight loss products have not undergone rigorous safety testing, and you cannot be sure of the ingredients or dosing11. They can also interfere with prescribed medicines or cause health issues, such as skin burns or an elevated heart rate.
Official guidance from UK health authorities
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends GLP-1 drugs for patients with type 2 diabetes or with a very high BMI12. Semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, stomach pain, and constipation. Therefore, these medicines should only be prescribed by licensed providers after a thorough evaluation11.
Safer, Science-Backed Approaches to Weight Loss
How GLP-1 medications should be used
The use of medicines like semaglutide, which significantly impact your body’s metabolism and food intake, should only be taken after medical screening and under monitoring by healthcare professionals. For example, Ozempic and Wegovy are injected weekly, and the dose is adjusted based on tolerance.
What real obesity care looks like
Viral trends and fads are rarely a successful route to sustained and healthy weight loss. Weight loss management programs should focus on a personalised program of sustainable, healthy diet and regular physical activity. Where appropriate, cognitive behavioural therapy can help to control impulsive eating behaviours, while bariatric surgeries or injectable weight loss drugs might be recommended in urgent cases13.
How to spot red flags in weight loss products
There is an overwhelming amount of information about weight loss available online, making it hard to know who and what to trust. There are some red flags that you should look out for when making decisions about weight management.
- Overpromising - for example, products promising you’ll “lose 10kg in a week”.
- Products that are sold exclusively via social media, outside a healthcare environment.
- Products that have not undergone clinical testing.
- Products that promise weight loss without any change in diet or physical activity.
Ezra’s role in proactive health
At Ezra, we believe that taking a science-first approach is the most reliable path to lasting health outcomes. Our full-body MRI scans can detect early organ changes and abnormalities before symptoms appear, including in the pancreas, liver, and other organs affected by weight and metabolic health.
This is a safe, non-invasive first step for anyone curious about their current health status or looking for a clear baseline before starting any lifestyle or medical intervention.
Book your Ezra UK scan today and gain a detailed, evidence-backed view of your inner health.
Summary: Health vs Hype
Many people exploring GLP-1 patches may be doing so out of frustration, stalled progress, or confusion about safe weight loss options. GLP-1 patches may be trending, but they’re not a medically recognised treatment. If you’re seeking effective weight loss support, trust evidence over online hype. Work with a GP, registered dietitian, or qualified medical weight management provider who can create a plan tailored to your needs and health history.
Want to understand your metabolic and hormonal health before committing to any treatment? An Ezra Full Body MRI gives you insight into up to 14 organs in under an hour. It’s non-invasive, safe, and could help guide smarter weight-related decisions.
