The Apple Patch Diet is actually an "herbal weight management supplement," not a traditional weight loss diet. According to its website, it is suited for both women and men who wish to lose a significant amount of weight. The transdermal skin patch adheres to the arm or another body part and acts as a dietary supplement, transmitting a number of herbal ingredients through the skin. Makers of the supplement claim that these ingredients aid in burning stored body fat, enhance energy levels, and suppress appetite.
Identification
This fat-burning supplemental skin patch is the key component of the "Apple Patch Diet." Some of the primary active ingredients in the patch include Hoodia Gordonii (South African cactus extract that suppresses appetite), Yerba Mate, Vitamin B6 (acts as a helper in energy metabolism), Cha De Bugre (curbs hunger), Guarana (stimulant) and green tea leaf extract (assists metabolism). A person should take two capsules with a full glass of water, twice a day. According to the official website, this diet supplement does not cause any side effects. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not "approve" dietary supplements.
Pros
There are some success stories posted on the official website as well as testimonials stating that the "Apple Patch Diet" is effective for weight loss. The patch may be easily and conveniently purchased through the official website. Though expensive to purchase and continue to use, "Apple Patch Diet" products are sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, on the plus side, according to a recent article published in "Current Genomics" entitled, Nutrigenomic Analysis of Diet-Gene interactions on functional supplements for weight management, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a natural extract isolated from the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, and key ingredient in the patch, has been shown to be safe and efficacious for weight loss.
Cons
Though the ingredients are "natural," the active ingredients may have side effects and/or interfere with prescription medications. There have not been enough research studies completed to conclude that these ingredients are effective nor without side effects or risk. Another major drawback is that there is no healthy diet/meal plan nor a fitness routine recommended along with the "Apple Patch Diet" products. Additionally there is not any clinical proof or research available to support or verify the effectiveness of this patch. Though weight is lost with this patch, it is significantly less than with traditional diets that include healthy eating and exercise, and, per the website You on a Diet, which is registered dietitian reviewed, once the patch is removed, appetite returns to normal and weight may be regained.
A Word of Warning About Hoodia
Jasjit S. Bindra, PhD is the former researcher for hoodia at Pfizer. In a letter sent to "The New York Times," Dr. Bindra stated that, "although hoodia did appear to suppress appetite, there were indications of unwanted effects on the liver caused by components other than the active ingredient p57 that could not easily be removed during processing." In that same letter, Dr. Bindra also stated that "hoodia has has a long way to go before it can earn approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Until safer formulations are developed, dieters should be wary of using it." Appetite suppressants suppress thirst as well, tricking the brain into thinking it has enough sugar/hydration, which could be dangerous for individuals with diabetes and related conditions.
Cost and Final Word
This diet patch is available for purchase online as well as accompanying pills and gum. A quantity of 60 capsules costs for $49.95. It costs approximately the same amount for a one-month supply of the gum, or a patch. With this system, there is no accompanying diet or exercise plan or prescription. What you put in your mouth and your level of activity are important factors. Also, there is contradicting scientific information available on the effectiveness and safety of key ingredients. Though HCA appears to be safe and effective for weight loss in some scientific studies, hoodia may be dangerous to the liver. Since the patch contains both of these ingredients, caution should be used. Additionally, too much HCA can cause side effects, such as nervousness, headaches, and anxiety, as well as high blood pressure. A diet should balance healthy eating advice with exercise recommendations.
References
- The New York Times; An Appetite Killer for a Killer Appetite? Not Yet; M Duenwald; Apr 2005
- Current Genomics; Nutrigenomic analysis of diet-gene interactions on functional supplements for weight management; FC Lau, M Bagchi, C Sen, S Roy and D Bagchi; Jun 2008
- Weight Loss Choice: Hoodia safety
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