It’s no secret that women are obsessed with their bodies. From social media feeds to reality TV shows, it seems like everyone is talking about weight loss these days. But how effective is focusing on your waist really? Is it a way to shed those unwanted pounds? We took a look at the evidence.
Does It Work?
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, you’re bound to come across some sort of fad diet or exercise regime that claims to be ideal for this purpose. While there’s no denying that taking a closer look at your waist can help you lose weight, the evidence suggests that this approach isn’t as effective as you think. Based on the available research, here’s what we know about focusing on the waist.
Is It A One-Size-Fits-All Approach?
Focusing on your waist isn’t exactly an easy strategy to follow. No matter your height or shape, there’s a style of waist trainer that will suit you. This means that you’ll have to try on a variety of outfits before you find the one that makes you feel the best. While there’s no denying that this is a distinct advantage to the approach, the evidence suggests that it’s not a great one.
In a review of the scientific literature, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that there is very low quality evidence suggesting that a specific type of waist trainer ‘may slightly reduce weight’. While we can’t draw any firm conclusions from only one small trial, the review authors suggested that more rigorous research is needed before we can recommend this particular fad diet.
How Effective Is It?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty now. How effective is focusing on your waist for weight loss? Based on the evidence available, it’s not very effective at all. But don’t lose hope yet, because there are other ways to achieve your desired weight without resorting to risky fad diets or over-the-counter weight loss supplements.
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to lose weight, it seems like the ideal way to go about it is by changing your diet and getting plenty of exercise. The review mentioned above concluded that there is low quality evidence suggesting that a healthier diet and increased physical activity are more effective at combating overweight than trying to reduce your waist size through a fad diet or waist trainer.
Underlying Issues
Despite the weight loss myths that surround it, there are a few things you need to remember about focusing on your waist. First of all, the approach is not meant to be a quick-fix solution to obesity. Focusing on your waist can help you get a clearer picture of your overall health, but it won’t give you the perfect body you’re looking for. This is why the review mentioned above concluded that more rigorous research is needed before we can make any solid recommendations about this particular fad diet.
Secondly, it’s not just about the number on the scale. Your waistline is a reflection of your overall health, and even if you reduce it through diet and exercise, it doesn’t mean you’ll immediately see the results you’re looking for. This is why the review mentioned above cautioned that “we must recognise that losing weight is not necessarily a good thing. It depends on the health consequences you are trying to avoid.” Reducing your waistline can help you avoid a number of illnesses, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll stay healthy forever.
Thirdly, there are several things you need to avoid if you want to achieve the best results from your waist-focused weight loss efforts. These include anything that makes you overeat or under-eat. The review mentioned above suggested that limiting your intake of highly processed foods and foods containing added sugar can help you lose weight faster. It also advised against taking weight loss drugs or supplements without talking to your doctor first.
The Takeaway
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, then the best advice we can give you is to focus on changing your diet and getting plenty of exercise. The evidence suggests that this is the most effective way to go about it, rather than trying to target your waistline through dieting or an expensive waist trainer. Even if reducing your waistline can help you avoid a number of diseases, it doesn’t mean that it’s the only way to lose weight or that it will make you healthier. This is why the review mentioned above cautioned that “losing weight is not necessarily a good thing. It depends on the health consequences you are trying to avoid.” Hopefully, this quick guide to waist trainers and dieting has cleared up any confusion you might have had about the relationship between your waistline and your health. If you’re still wondering whether or not focusing on your waistline is the key to weight loss, then it might be time to switch gears and try a different approach.