1. Hello, Hoodia
Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant in the cactus family which is native to South Africa. Hoodia has been used for thousands of years by the Sans Bushmen to suppress appetite and lose weight. Traditionally, the plant is cut and peeled, the core eaten for the weight loss benefits of Hoodia. While the effects of consuming the plant itself is proven to work, unfortunately, it resides on a long list of endangered plant species and it's exported is prohibited. Additionally, Hoodia is extremely difficult to cultivate, requiring several years to mature. So what does that mean? It means that the majority of so-called Hoodia products, including the Hoodia diet patch, may not contain the actual plant or extracts, as there is simply not enough plant available in the world to manufacture all of the products currently on the market.
2. Theoretically Speaking
In theory, a daily Hoodia diet patch provides a regular supply of the plants extract directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestion which can potentially harm the active ingredients. While Hoodia itself contains no stimulants, some manufacturers may add other products to increase energy as well. The extract of the Hoodia gordonii plant suppresses appetite by tricking your body into thinking it is full, reducing cravings and appetite.
3. Reading Between the Lines
The Hoodia patent-holding company, Phytopharm, states directly on their website that only their own patented products are botanically tested to contain pure Hoodia gordonii, therefore it is questionable that products made from other companies will actually contain Hoodia. Additionally, Phytopharm's clinical studies were performed with the extract of the plant, yet it is unclear whether the patch itself was ever used in tests.
4. Science or Speculation?
Hopefully more studies will be done on the effects of Hoodia in a patch form, as there is frighteningly little information to prove scientifically that the patch works as well as consuming the plant or extract. Surely a patch is far more convenient than taking extract supplements, but there is no way to know whether the patch works as well as the extract or at all.
5. Too Good to Be True
If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Seller's of Hoodia products love to tout that there are zero side effects, but once again, there are no scientific studies to prove it, and Hoodia hasn't been on the market long enough to be certain of the long-term side effects. Any nutritionist will tell you that cutting your appetite to eat less isn't the best thing you can do for your body. Even if you lose weight, you risk reducing your metabolism, malnutrition, lack of energy and more. Finally, because Hoodia affects the part of the brain that controls hunger, it is important that extensive studies are performed to determine side effects which may in turn affect mood, metabolism and hunger once the patch or supplements are stopped.
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