From curvy celebs to period cosplayers, do waist trainers work are the latest fitness fad with an equally trendy name: “corsets.” The elastic bands with laces, velcro, and hooks are designed to be worn for long periods of time around your midsection to mold your body into an hourglass shape. The idea is that the smooshing of your tummy (which can reduce your waistline by up to 2-3 inches) and the intense pressure will make you sweat, burning extra calories and water weight along the way.
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But the fat-burning claim isn’t true, and a waist trainer might even be harmful. The squeezing is not only uncomfortable, but it can also interfere with your digestion and lead to acid reflux. The tummy compression can also prevent your lungs from expanding fully, which limits the amount of oxygen you can take in. This can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, fluid buildup in the lungs, and inflammation.
While waist trainers may increase core strength in the short term, using one for an extended amount of time can actually weaken your abdominal muscles as they become accustomed to supporting you with less work. That can lead to a slumpy posture and back pain. The squeezing can also cause acids from your stomach to splash up into your throat, leading to nausea and vomiting.
The real benefits of waist training come from combining it with regular exercise and a healthy diet. If you do choose to wear a waist trainer, make sure it’s not too tight so that you can still breathe and have good core support. If it’s so tight that you can’t breathe, or if you feel any pain in your shoulders or abdomen, stop wearing it immediately.
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