On the surface, mineral wraps seem to be a nearly miraculous weight-loss strategy. They've been shown to help people lose inches in a matter of hours. However, the science behind mineral wraps is less than miraculous. In reality, they're a potentially dangerous practice with little to no lasting effects, aside from dehydration. Before you try a mineral wrap for weight loss, make sure you know how they really work.
Effects
Mineral body wraps involve covering most of your body in a mineral and clay paste, then wrapping yourself in cloth and soaking for at least an hour. Reporter Ronita Dutta tested the process for iVillage, and reported that she lost an inch from her waist and "a couple off my calves and upper knee." However, she wrote, her mineral wrap was designed to remove inches, not cause weight loss. Other types of mineral wraps are purported to remove toxins and "waste" from the body, according to a report from "Good Morning America."
Components
Mineral wraps usually contain a mix of minerals, salts, oils and herbs that are chosen to address specific body issues. DIY website "Craftbits" lists around 50 potential ingredients, including kelp powder and sea salt to detoxify the body, shea oil to moisturize, and goat milk to balance skin pH and exfoliate. These ingredients are mixed with clay and then applied directly to the skin.
Warning
Dr. Victor Herbert, a researcher at Mount Sinai Veterans Research Center, told "Good Morning America" that mineral wraps are "pseudoscientific gobbledygook." He added that they may cause hypovolemic shock, which is low blood volume from dehydration. While this would be an extreme result, questions about the efficacy and safety of mineral wraps abound. Wrap providers' claims may be false as well: Suddenly Slender, a mineral wrap company, was sued by the Texas Attorney General for misleading representations.
Expert Insight
"Good Morning America" sent two volunteers to undergo mineral wraps from Suddenly Slender. The volunteers had serious questions about the accuracy of the measurements taken before and after the procedure, and neither of them noticed any real result. Dr. Herbert claims that mineral wraps may cause some weight loss, but that it will be temporary, mostly due to water loss. There is no proof that mineral wraps detoxify the body or have any additional health benefits.
Potential
Though mineral wraps do not cause weight loss, Ronita Dutta enjoyed the feeling of losing inches off her body, and said the treatment made her feel "healthier and revitalized." She recommends mineral wraps as a "terrific motivation" to help you stick to a healthier diet. As a beauty treatment, mineral wraps can improve your skin tone and slightly change your shape. Whether you get wrapped at a salon or make your own treatment at home, it can be an enjoyable experience that complements your normal, more effective weight-loss routine.
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