'Fauxzemic' gummies and patches are all over the internet. But are they legit?

As prescription GLP-1 diabetes medications continue to dominate headlines (and discussions about weight loss), a new trend has emerged in the wellness industry.

A surge of supplements, claiming to offer similar effects to these medications, have flooded the market, prompting medical professionals to raise concerns about their safety and efficacy.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for type 2 diabetes treatment, work by mimicking a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, and for this reason have been prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Watch: Healthy Food Relationships. Article continues after the video.

The popularity of these medications triggered a wave of alternative products. In September last year, Kourtney Kardashian's wellness brand Lemme launched "GLP-1 Daily," marketed as a natural alternative to prescription weight-loss drugs.

The product's primary ingredients include lemon fruit extract, saffron extract, and red orange fruit extract — a far cry from the components of the prescription medications.

GP, author and medical commentator, Dr Brad McKay, a prominent GP and author, says there's reason to be concerned. 

"We're comparing evidence-based medicine with supplements, gummies, and patches," he told Mamamia.

"What science has been showing over time is that we do have heaps of amazing studies that show these [prescription] medications can be helpful."

The supplement industry operates with considerably less oversight than pharmaceutical companies. Dr McKay says the marketing strategies employed by these companies are problematic. 

"There's a lot of trickery in the advertising. For example, they'll say 'support your healthy lifestyle with our innovative botanical patches.' These are very airy, fairy comments which don't actually say that they're going to help you with weight loss."

Investigation into GLP-1 injection alternatives reveals concerning disparities between advertised ingredients and actual content.

"Even what can be listed on the ingredients is often very different from what you get in the bottle that's delivered to you from your online purchase," Dr McKay warns.

Recent reports have identified potentially dangerous levels of certain ingredients in some supplements, he says.

"We've seen quite a few reports lately of vitamin B6 being put into some of these medications and supplements. 

"If you have too much of it, it can cause peripheral neuropathy, all sorts of nerve problems."

The market for alternative products has been driven by the high cost of prescription GLP-1 medications, which can reach $500 per month. This price barrier has created what medical professionals describe as an exploitative environment.

"You have [prescription] products that might be expensive... And so often people can't get access to it because it's in short supply, or they can't afford it," Dr McKay says. 

"People will then start roaming on the internet and try to find something else."

But Dr McKay emphasises the importance of seeking evidence-based solutions. 

"Doctors actually have something in our armament now with GLP-1 receptor agonists. We can actually help people…in a scientifically studied way."

Disclaimer: This article contains medical information but is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program or taking new supplements.

Feature image: Getty.