Weight-loss belts offer a solution to a problem many people have--belly fat. The marketers behind the belt claim that you will lose fat and inches just by wearing the belt. The idea that you can lose weight sitting on the couch is appealing. However, before you rush out to buy your own weight-loss belt, you should learn more about it.
Identification
An abdominal muscle stimulator, or weight-loss belt, is a battery powered belt that is worn around your waist. According to the Food and Drug Administration, currents are sent through electrodes that are connected to the belt. These currents contract your abdominal muscles. The higher you have the current setting, the stronger the muscle contraction.
False Advertisement
According to the Federal Trade Commission, three top selling weight-loss belt companies have been charged with false advertising. These belts include, AB Energizer, AbTronic and Fast Abs. The belts have been marketed as being able to produce six pack or washboard abs. In fact, the marketers of the belts go further, claiming the ab belts work better than exercise. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the ab belts are charged with falsely marketing that the belt led to a loss of weight and inches. The chairman of the FTC says, "The only winning combination for weight loss is changing your diet and exercise."
Medical Conditions
Abdominal stimulation belts have been cleared by the FDA to treat medical conditions. Your doctor may use one of these belts as a treatment after a stroke, serious injury or major surgery. The belt can be useful to re-educate your muscles. The belts can help relax muscle spasms, increase range of motion and prevent muscle atrophy. According to the FDA, the main use of the belt is for medical use, not for building muscle.
Does it Work
According to the FDA, an abdominal muscle stimulator will not give you six-pack abs. The belts will cause muscles to contract. Contracting muscles repeatedly, strengthens and tones your muscles, slightly. However, they will not cause significant changes in your appearance without healthy eating habits and regular exercise, reports the FDA.
Risks
The FDA has received reports of injuries cause by the belts. Among these injuries were burns, bruising and skin irritation. The belt has shown to cause complications in people with pacemakers or defibrillators. The Wall Street Journal reports, in one case a woman was hospitalized after she was jolted by her defibrillator, while wearing the belt.
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