The temptation to lose weight quickly is the reason many people turn to plastic suits. Many athletes, such as wrestlers and boxers, use plastic suits to quickly shed pounds to meet weight requirements. But the loss of weight is temporary, and the weight is quickly gained back when fluids are consumed. Improper use of plastic suits can cause dehydration and other serious health problems.
Description
Plastic suits, often referred to as sauna suits, are intended to increase the temperature of the body to make you sweat more. When the temperature of the body is raised, the sweat glands receive a signal and release fluid onto the skin to cool it down. The sweat cannot evaporate because of the insulating properties of plastic, which increases your body temperature even more. The idea behind these suits is to increase the amount of fat burned by increasing body heat, but no studies have shown wearing a plastic suit will accomplish this.
Results
Wearing a plastic suit while working out will help you lose weight, but it is in the form of water and electrolyte loss, not fat loss. On average, you drop about 1 lb. for every pint of sweat you lose. According to strength and conditioning specialist Stew Smith at Military.com, you gain the weight back when you begin eating again or if you drink the same amount of liquid you lost.
Risks
Wearing a plastic suit is not only uncomfortable; it can also lead to health issues. Sweating is your body's way of cooling down, but plastic suits don't let the sweat evaporate, so your body gets even hotter. This can quickly lead to dehydration, which can in turn lead to weakness, dizziness, mental confusion, and, in extreme cases, coma or death, according to Columbia University Health Center. Similar suits, made of rubber, were banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association when three wrestlers died in 1997 after using them.
Considerations
While using a plastic suit can lead to short-term weight loss, it won't make much difference in the long term. The only way to burn calories consistently and safely is by watching your calorie intake and exercising. If you do choose to wear a plastic suit, drink plenty of water while you are wearing it to avoid dehydration. Be aware that the caloric benefits are minimal at best.
References
- Columbia University Health Center; Working Out While Wrapped in Plastic -- Good for Weight Loss?; July, 2009
- "Los Angeles Times"; Jacuzzi or Couch? Calories Burned Are About the Same"; Janet Cromley; 2011
- Military.com: Weight Loss Myths; Stew Smith
- "Los Angeles Times"; Fat Burner? Your Gut Tells You It's a Stretch; Chris Woolston; August, 2010
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