Transdermal cutting gels claim to offer impressive results in reducing body fat, particularly in the abdominal region. There are numerous products, but the most popular include Cutting Gel, Dermalin, Ab Solutions, Ab-Fx, Tummy Flattening Gel, Remi Slimming System, Epidril, Ripping Gel and Lipo Burn. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that these products are effective.
Pros
- Does not stain clothing
Cons
- Expensive
- There are no clinical studies supporting the effectiveness of cutting gels
- Gels can be difficult to rub in
- Exercise must be taken shortly after the application of cutting gels
How do cutting gels work?
There is no clinical evidence that cutting gels actually work. Indeed, so far the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against the manufacturers of Cutting Gel, Dermalin, Tummy Flattening Gel, Leptoprin, Anorex and PediaLean. The FTC alleges that these respondents violated the FTC Act by making unsubstantiated fat and weight loss claims, and false claims that clinical testing has proven certain efficacy.
Cutting gels are weight loss products that are rubbed directly onto the skin. The manufacturers claim that they are absorbed through the skin, and subsequently cause the release of fat from adipose cells into the bloodstream. In the dermis, a layer of skin right above the fat layer, there is a dense network of capillaries. Once cutting gel is absorbed into the skin it will penetrate into many of these capillaries, before reaching the fat layer – and thus be transported into the bloodstream. As a consequence, the active ingredients do not have much time to attack fat tissue. Even if fat is actually released into the bloodstream it will get deposited right back into the body – a substantial amount of exercise would be needed to burn this fat before it gets reabsorbed.
Typical ingredients in cutting gels
Dermalin, Cutting Gel, and Tummy Flattening Gel all contain the active ingredient aminophylline in a lecithin base. Dermalin and Tummy Flattening Gel are marketed primarily at women interested in trimming their figures. Cutting Gel is aimed at male bodybuilders who want to reduce areas of fat that obscure muscle definition.
Lecithin helps support the liver in metabolizing fats, which in theory could result in enhanced fat burning. Unfortunately, lecithin has not proved particularly effective as a weight loss agent, and has lost popularity as a diet pill ingredient.
Aminophylline is a salt of theophylline (a methylxanthine compound similar to caffeine) that was once used as a cardiac stimulant, diuretic, and bronchodilator with antispasmodic properties. Now replaced by more effective agents, it was never administered as a topical cream, so there is no clinical evidence that it can be absorbed through the skin.
Side effects of cutting gels
Due to the fact that cutting gels contain aminophylline, there is a minimal possibility that nervousness, jitters and inability to sleep could be caused by excessive usage.
Conclusion
There is no clear evidence that cutting gels actually work. However, there are some positive reviews amongst users who take regular vigorous exercise.