Girdles have long been used to make the body look trimmer, but do nothing to generate actual weight loss. Even girdles using thermal materials to supposedly "melt away the inches" don't have an effect on body fat. To truly lose any weight, you need to achieve what's known as a caloric deficit.
Caloric Deficit
It takes a deficit of roughly 3,500 calories to lose a pound of fat. Wearing an article of clothing, like a girdle, won't do anything to produce this deficit. The reason is that a girdle doesn't change your energy expenditure or affect caloric intake, which are the two factors that produce the deficit in calories needed to lose weight.
Weight
An inability to affect energy expenditure or caloric intake isn't to say you won't see a difference on the scale. Some people do see a loss of weight after wearing a thermal girdle, but this weight loss is often the result of water weight. Thermal girdles use materials that basically trap in heat, causing your middle to perspire at a faster rate than normal. The loss of fluids through your sweat can cause you to drop a pound --- or two, for that matter --- but this loss is only temporary. Replenishing fluids lost will inevitably reverse the effects.
Waistline
Besides the loss of water weight, you may also experience a drop in your waistline after wearing compression garments. But, like water weight, the results are short-lived. Girdles can compress the midsection, altering your body's circumference. After a few hours, however, your waistline will return to its original shape, explains Patricia Floyd, author of "Personal Health: Perspective and Lifestyles."
Recommendation
While there's nothing inherently wrong with wearing a girdle, it's best to employ methods known to promote healthy weight loss if you're hoping to get rid of belly fat. Reducing your caloric intake is one of the most effective methods, but you can also see your waistline shrink in size by increasing your level of physical activity. Of course, always talk to a doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise regimen. Medical professionals can recommend the most appropriate weight-loss methods for you.
Member Comments