The slender shaper is a brand name weight loss belt, claiming to use massage to tone muscle and burn fat with no effort on the part of the user. Like other similar products, this dubious claim calls for a deeper examination.
Increased Calorie Burn
According to fitness coach Ben Cohn, wearing a massage belt burns no more calories than not wearing it. Even the manufacturers of Slender Shaper make no claims of increased calorie burn. Rather, they focus on the massage aspects to support their weight loss claims.
Illusion of Weight Loss
Massage belts can produce the temporary illusion of weight loss. By massaging the muscles of your abdomen, it can galvanize them into a state of tension that looks flatter and more attractive. However, once these muscles return to a relaxed state, this benefit disappears.
FTC Warning
The Federal Trade Commission has the following to say about products that claim to produce quick and easy weight loss: "The public must adopt a healthy skepticism about advertising that promises miracles and...face the reality that there are no fast and easy fixes for overweight or obesity."
References
- Ben Cohn; Fitness Coach; Hillsboro, OR
- FTC Report on Weight Loss Advertising
- Interwood.com: Slender Shaper
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