They do not differ in the fundamental constraint: molecules above roughly 500 daltons don't cross intact stratum corneum passively, and the botanicals that do fit under that threshold arrive at doses two to three orders of magnitude below anything studied
Some patients do well at lower doses, while others require higher strengths to see meaningful results
Much of the supporting research summarized in peer-reviewed literature relies on animal studies, such as GLP-1 receptor-knockout mice and rodent injection trials, rather than large-scale human trials, and peptide-based drugs overall are described as rarely used in real-world patient care because of lingering questions about safety, effectiveness, and inadequate insurance coverage
According to Katrina Ubell, MD, host of the podcast Weight Loss for Busy Physicians, it can be a "godsend" or some, "but it's not meant for someone who just has those last 20 pounds to lose." And as Amy Shah, MD, points out, the drugs aren't intended for people who can lose weight by adopting healthy lifestyle and diet measures