Weight Loss Wraps

Body wraps are used to achieve weight loss and detoxification. Although they can help you sweat away pounds and inches, the resulting weight loss from body wraps is temporary. Some wraps include herbs that help detoxify the skin, but those benefits are usually short-term as well. There are several different types of body wraps that offer other benefits in addition to just weight loss. Consult a physician about the safety and effectiveness of body wraps.

How They Work

When receiving a body wrap, people typically have their torso, legs, arms and neck wrapped with elastic cloths, which are either dry or soaked in herbal solution. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, the cloths are wrapped firmly around the body to promote sweating and assist in the shedding of unnecessary interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between tissues. Often, a thermal blanket is also wrapped around the person to further promote sweating. The elastic cloth wraps absorb the sweat and toxin, while herb-soaked wraps also detoxify and benefit the skin.

Benefits

All wraps are used with weight-loss and slimming in mind. According to November 2007 report from CBS News, four volunteers who received four different wraps all lost between 2 to 4 inches within an hour. This is the result of a loss of water weight, which can give a slimming effect that lasts for several days. Other benefits, depending on what type of wrap is used, include softening of the skin, detoxification of the skin and relief from stress. Some wraps claim to reduce cellulite and smooth fine lines. The benefits of detoxification last about a month as interstitial fluids typically build up again.

Types

There are five basic types of body wraps, according to SpaFinder.com. All of them make the body sweat and lose weight, but some have extra ingredients to offer enhanced benefits. Algae and seaweed wraps are meant to boost metabolism and enhance skin health because of their abundance in amino acids and nutrients. Cellulite wraps target dimpled skin, primarily on the legs. Herbal wraps are designed to heal and detoxify, in addition to slimming the body. Mud wraps increase circulation and remove toxins from the skin, resulting in tighter and firmer skin. Slimming wraps reduce weight and focus on slimming and sculpting the body.

Methods

Most body wraps are done at a day spa. They are often offered as part of a package deal or can be purchased separately. Spas usually start by scrubbing the body with an exfoliating agent, usually salt, to remove dead skin and prepare for the sweating and detox process. Some herbal wraps are preceded by applying herbs or lotions to the skin and sealing it with foil. The wrap is then applied to the whole body and left for 20 to 30 minutes, and a blanket is sometimes used to further enhance sweating. Once the wraps are removed, the skin is scrubbed and cleaned and lotions or oils can be applied.

In addition to spa treatments, there are kits available for use in the home. They are simpler than day spa wraps, but utilize the same principles. Cloth wraps are usually heated with steam or boiling water and wrapped around the body. According to the American Council on Exercise, these home wraps are unwieldy and not effective in reducing weight.

Considerations

Those who suffer from skin conditions, heart problems, high blood pressure or claustrophobia are at risk of complications when having a body wrap. Consult a physician before having a body wrap done if you are concerned about any health issues. Dehydration is also a common concern, so make sure you are offered water during the treatment.