Wrapping the body in plastic wrap may cause the body to sweat, especially when combined with exercise, but it doesn't do anything to cause long-term weight loss. Regardless of age, gender, body size or body composition, the key to losing weight is calories. You must use more calories than you consume if you ever hope to lose any amount of weight.
Caloric Deficit
It takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose 1 lb. of fat. Wrapping the body in plastic wrap does nothing to generate this deficit. Dietary changes and increases in physical activity are the only two methods of promoting this deficit. If you're able to reach a deficit of 500 calories a day through diet and exercise, you'll lose 1 lb. every week. A deficit of 750 calories a day increases results to 1 ½ lbs. of weight loss a week.
Water Weight
Although wrapping the body in plastic wrap can't cause a deficit in calories, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't notice a decrease in weight. Plastic wrap traps in body heat, increasing the rate of perspiration. The more you perspire, the more fluids are lost, which can make an impact on the scale. But any amount of weight you lose with this method is only a loss in water weight, not fat. This means that the results are temporary. When you drink water, juice or any other beverage, the weight returns.
Effects
According to Patricia Floyd, author of "Personal Health: Perspectives and Lifestyles," rapid fluid loss can lead to dehydration as well as an imbalance in electrolytes. Dehydration, particularly when severe or prolonged, can result in some serious complications, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and swelling of the brain. Electrolyte imbalances can affect the electrical impulses within the body, which may cause seizures and muscle problems, including those of the heart.
Recommendation
Instead of wrapping the body in plastic wrap, make healthy changes to your diet and level of physical activity. Reducing the size of your portions can help you reach the deficit necessary to lose weight, but you should also try to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains in your diet. Keep your intake of lean meats and low-fat dairy moderate while limiting your intake of sugar and fat. With exercise, aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Choose an activity you enjoy, such as swimming, biking or playing tennis, basketball or soccer, to name only a few.
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