Abdominal fat is quite stubborn and unhealthy (1). Nutritionists and doctors recommend a balanced diet and exercise to shed belly fat (2), (3). So, are abdominal belts nothing but a gimmick? Not totally true. Slimming belts may help you take off a couple of inches. They are just temporary and short-term fixes. You can use them before an event you need to attend. But before you buy one, learn the whole truth about slimming belts. Find out how to use one, its types, benefits, and side effects. Scroll down!
What Is An Abdominal Belt?
Abdominal belts are wide, stretchable belts that wrap around the abdomen and waist. They have clips or hooks attached for tightening and loosening them. They are commonly used to get rid of post-pregnancy belly fat that occurs as a result of C-section surgery. There are various types of abdominal belts on the market, specifically made for weight loss for men and women. Find out how each of them stimulates weight loss.
How Different Abdominal Belts Aid Weight Loss
Abdominal belts are designed for weight loss around your abdomen area, where weight is gained faster than any other part of the body. These belts impart a slim, hourglass appearance to the body by cinching the waist. They are compact, and you may wear one under your clothes while heading out. Different types of abdominal belts work in different ways for weight loss. Here are the three types of belly belts and how they work:
1. Simple Abdominal Belts
These are stretchable belts that are wrapped around the belly area to compress it. They also compress the muscles. The heat produced creates a sauna effect. This process helps one lose a few inches and tone the abdominal area.
2. Electric Stimulation Abdominal Belts
Electric abdominal belts contain electric pads. They tone or trim the abdominal area by stimulating an electric impulse. They work faster than non-electric belts. They contract the muscles, and their heat increases metabolism in the area and helps burn calories. Electric abdominal belts come with a controller for increasing and decreasing the impulse level.
3. Appetite-Reducing Abdominal Belts
An appetite-reducing abdominal belt can help if you constantly feel hungry. This belt reduces appetite by blocking the hunger messages to the brain. The lower your appetite, the fewer calories you consume. Thus, they help you lose fat from the belly area faster. You will reap benefits irrespective of the type of abdominal belt you use. We have listed the same in the following section.
5 Best Benefits Of Wearing An Abdominal Belt
1. Takes Off Inches After Pregnancy
The most common use of an abdominal belt is to shape up the belly area after pregnancy. Pregnancy increases lower belly fat and loosens skin. The notorious and unflattering lower belly flap is well-tackled by a slimming belt. It compresses the lower belly area and reduces the appearance of the post-pregnancy bulge. NOTE: Use the belt only after consulting a licensed physician.
2. Improves Posture
An abdominal belt can help improve your posture. It is usually made of neoprene material that is soft, rigid, and durable. It improves your posture by offering lumbar support and keeping your spine straight. A good posture helps reduce the chances of back and neck pain. You can consider an abdominal belt if you are troubled by a bulging belly or love handles.
3. Gets Rid Of Lingering Belly Fat
An abdominal belt helps one shed that last bit of belly fat that produces a small but visible bulge. It works better when coupled with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Helps Give An Hourglass Shape
All body shapes are equally desirable. But an abdominal belt can help you achieve that hourglass shape if you want. It cinches your waist, leaving the bust area and the hips. This creates an illusion of an hourglass shape. But remember NOT to cinch your waist too tight – you might bruise your skin or even damage your internal organs. You should be able to breathe comfortably.
5. You Can Wear It Anywhere, Anytime
You can wear an abdominal belt under your clothes anywhere, anytime. Whether it is to the gym or work, this stretchable and structured belt does not cause discomfort. Its design allows it to whittle away the abdominal fat invisibly as you wear it for hours. But problems can arise if you do not wear the slimming belt properly. To make the best use of these belts, you must know how to wear them right. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the same.
How To Use An Abdominal Belt?
Here’s a 3-step guide to wearing an abdominal belt perfectly for inducing belly fat loss: Step 1 – Stand straight.Step 2 – Breathe normally. Avoid breathing hard to make your stomach too tight or leaving it too loose.Step 3 – Wrap the belt around your waist. You should be able to breathe comfortably. The abdominal belt should be in direct contact with your skin. Don’t wrap it on top of your clothes or any other material. However, do not cinch it too tight or you might bruise your skin. Note: For best results, you may wear the abdominal belt all the time except when you are sleeping or resting. If you are on the lookout for a good slimming belt, we have a few recommendations for you.
Which Slimming Belt Is Best For Weight Loss?
There are a plethora of waist-slimmer belts on the market. Picking one could be a challenge if you are a new customer. But fret not – here are a few waist trimmer belts you can try. Check out the full list of the best waist trimmers. Slimming belts are great for taking off a few inches temporarily. They have many benefits too. However, before you make a final choice, you also must take note of their not-so-desirable side effects.
Side Effects Of Wearing An Abdominal Belt
May increase blood pressure: Wearing an abdominal belt may increase blood pressure (4). Those with high blood pressure must avoid these belts.
May cause trouble breathing: Wearing these belts too tightly may keep you from breathing properly. Less oxygen in your cells may slow down metabolism and cause brain fog.
May hamper blood circulation: Wearing a tight belt may hamper blood circulation. Wearing it constantly may also cause sores.
Talk to a licensed doctor before wearing a slimming belt (especially if you are trying to lose the post-pregnancy belly bulge). Also, wear the belt the right way. Before coming to a close, let us look at the burning question – do abdominal belts work for weight loss?
Do Abdominal Belts Really Work For Weight Loss?
Abdominal belts do take off inches away from your waist. You may see a 1-2 inch reduction in your waist circumference. But this weight loss is not permanent. Neither will you lose fat. You might shrink the waist circumference temporarily. Abdominal belts are not medically approved, and there is no research to back their long-term weight loss capabilities.
Conclusion
Abdominal belts aid in temporary weight loss. You may use one to lose inches instantly for a special occasion. But you must eat healthy and exercise regularly to lose the excess belly fat permanently. You may also try intermittent fasting or eat these superfoods to accelerate your weight loss journey. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the advantages of using an abdominal belt. Does sweating on the stomach burn fat? No. Sweating on the stomach is not associated with fat burning. How long should I wear a slimming belt? The duration of wearing a slimming belt depends on the brand. Some brands recommend wearing it for less than 30 minutes, while others suggest wearing it throughout the day.
