Many people find it hard to diet because they suffer from cravings, particularly for sweet foods and chocolate! Years of scientific research have discovered that smell plays a vital role in cravings and if we become overexposed to certain smells, we become 'aromasated', and the craving disappears. Imagine a Christmas and Easter when being surrounded by chocolate wouldn't affect you at all!

In July 2000, Catherine Collins, Chief Dietician at St George's Hospital announced the results of a clinical trial that proved that the wearing of a simple pleasant smelling patch "Crave Control" cut slimmers' cravings for sweet foods and chocolate, which in turn led to weight loss. In a month, the volunteers wearing the patches lost more than twice the amount of weight than volunteers who were not wearing the patches.

We are so impressed with this clinical research that we have managed to get hold of some of the "Crave Control" patches, so you can find out for yourself if they work. But, get them quickly, we only have a limited supply and they are bound to be hugely popular! In fact, we believe in these patches so much that we are willing to send them to the US, Canada and EU at no extra charge! Find the patches in our Diet Aids Shop.

Because we really care that the products we give you access to are safe and effective, we asked the scientists who did the study to give us a bit more information on how smells can have this effect and whether they are safe.

How do "Crave Control" patches work?
The principle of the patches is based on the fact that 95% of taste comes from smell and that cravings for sweet foods can be satisfied by smell to save calories. "Crave Control" is designed to target the olfactory (smell) senses. Our olfactory senses communicate with the brain via 500-800 receptors in the nose and at the back of the throat. Our brains have an "odour memory" and the receptors can distinguish several thousand different odours.

Years of research have developed an active aroma, which is slowly released through the "Crave Control" patch over 24 hours, to saturate the olfactory senses, so that craving sweet foods is diminished and in many cases completely eliminated. Cutting out the sweet foods leads to a reduction in calories and therefore, weight loss.

Doesn't smelling chocolate, vanilla or biscuits have the same effect?
No, whilst the principle is similar, the active aroma in "Crave Control" patches is a combination of specially developed scents, which create a pleasant smell that is slowly released over 24 hours, to progressively and continually saturate the olfactory senses.

Is "Crave Control" safe?
Yes. The patches simply target the smell senses - the ability to distinguish other smells is not affected. Unlike nicotine patches, the active ingredient is not absorbed through the skin into the blood stream. The patches will help you cut out high fat and unhealthy foods, thus leading you to eat a more healthy diet.

How long will I need to wear the patches?
It varies. Some people only need to wear the patches for 3 weeks, others for longer. It really depends on how strong your cravings for sweet foods are and how much weight you want to lose. Once your appetite for sweet foods is diminished, your brain has registered that you no longer desire very sweet tastes and dieting will become easier.

Does "Crave Control" only work for sweet food cravings?
At the moment, yes. But we are currently researching aromas that might help resist high fat savoury and salty foods.

What if I am allergic to plasters?
The "Crave Control" patches are backed with hypo-allergic adhesive and very few, if any, people will have sensitivity.

Is it addictive?
Because the product is not 'taken' or absorbed into the blood stream, it is safe to be used for as long as it is needed. It is no more harmful than wearing a favourite perfume every day.

Do you have any personal success stories from people actually using the product rather than just figures?

We have many personal success stories. Some individuals have lost 7 stone using the patches and have managed to keep the weight off, and no longer need to use the patches. We have photographs and testimonies from a number of people that we can provide if you want them.