Instead of shrinking the waist, these are the 7 dangers of using a waist trainer

The phenomenon of shrinking the waist with a waist trainer is quite rampant. Several companies claim that this product helps you lose fat, reduce waist size, release toxins, and form a more beautiful body.

However, are these claims scientifically proven? Are there any negative effects on health if you use it? Before you decide to try it, see the full review below.

What is a waist trainer?

Waist trainers are similar to corsets in the 16th century that covered your waist, core, and back. In theory, if someone wears a waist trainer regularly for a certain period of time, the body will be formed ideally and be able to reduce body fat so that it can reduce waist size. In the end, you will get an ideal body shape like an hourglass.

Is it true that waist trainers are effective in shrinking the waist?

Those who use this tool feel excessive sweat production. This is often associated with fat loss which is linked to weight loss. In fact, the sweat you put out is not the same as fat. You only lose body fluids through heat, not body fat.

A survey from the British Military Fitness (BMF) found that 1 in 9 people admit to using a waist trainer and 1 want to try it at a later date. Garry Kerr, head of operations and training at BMF said that using a waist trainer gives the illusion of a slim body only when worn. However, if you remove it at night, the fat will return to its original place and your body shape will return to normal.

The same thing was expressed by dr. Caroline Apovian of Boston University School of Medicine and speaker for The Obesity Society, who stated that A waist trainer will not have a permanent effect on the size, shape and appearance of the waist You.

Dr. Apovian said that using a waist trainer will make women look thinner so that they can increase self-confidence. Unfortunately, the claim that this method can permanently shrink the waist and shape the body like a model by removing fat around the stomach and waist according to him not proven.

Stephen Ball, professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the University of Missouri Columbia, reinforces this argument by stating that you can't lose body fat with just a waist trainer. Exercise and a balanced diet can actually help you lose fat. So for him, there is no logical reason that waist trainers can shrink the waist.

Side effects for the body when using a waist trainer

Instead of causing benefits, some evidence actually shows that the use of waist trainers can have negative effects on the body, namely:

1. Skin irritation

One of the most common effects of using a waist trainer is skin irritation. Reminding something too tightly against your skin for a long time will cause friction on the skin which will cause pain and discomfort. You will find a rash around the skin if you use this tool. Remember, don't take it lightly as a persistent rash can lead to infection.

2. Increasing pain in people with stomach acid

People who suffer from gastric acid reflux, aka GERD and use waist trainers, are at risk of feeling more pain than usual. By pressing on the middle of the stomach, the use of a waist trainer in people with acid reflux not only increases pain, but can also cause long-term damage because it can put pressure on the wall of the esophagus. In addition, this tool can also increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers and other digestive disorders.

3. Difficulty breathing

Wearing something that can put pressure on your stomach will have an effect on the internal organs that are forced to adjust the device. One of the organs that is affected is the diaphragm. By restricting your diaphragm, you are reducing the oxygen supply that you should be receiving. This condition can cause you to feel short of breath, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

4. There are bruises

Unlike traditional corsets which are more flexible, waist trainers tend to be stiffer. So if used for a long time, it will leave bruises on several parts of the body, such as the back. Bruises are caused not only on the surface of the skin, but also on the bones. Bone bruises will be more difficult to treat and more painful than regular bruises.

The use of waist trainers in young children or adolescents is even more dangerous because their bones are not properly formed so the risk of injury is greater.

5. Inhibits blood flow

Not only can reduce oxygen supply, waist trainers can also reduce blood flow in blood vessels. Dr. Andrew Miller, a plastic surgery specialist in New York, United States (US) said that if this condition is allowed to continue, it will cause blood clots and put excessive pressure on your heart to pump blood.

In addition, obstructed blood flow can also cause numbness. If your nerves are affected by poor blood flow, you will feel numbness in certain parts of your body.

6. Resulted in permanent damage to the spine

Dr. Paul Jeffords, a spine surgeon, says waist trainers can cause permanent organ damage. As a spinal surgeon, he said this tool will have a serious effect on the spinal muscles and other parts such as bones, ligaments and nerves.

7. Affect mental health

Using a waist trainer will make you feel much slimmer than usual. However, when you let go, you will feel the sadness and dissatisfaction with your body again. Waist trainers only provide temporary false hope. If you are obsessed and have high hopes for this tool and the results are zero, you will end up feeling disappointed and blaming yourself.

Therefore, do not easily believe the advertisements and emerging trends. Find out as much as possible before you decide to try this trend, especially if it has to do with body health.

However, if you want to use a waist trainer occasionally to support your appearance, this is fine. As long as you don't use it for a long time if you don't want to be affected by the negative effects.

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