Are Compression Garments Beneficial to Weight Loss

There are many ways to get the most out of your fitness plan. For example, you may choose to restrict your intake of unnecessary calories, supplement your diet with protein or creatine powder, or work out first thing in the morning when you can the most energy. One controversial method people use to squeeze the most out of their weight loss regimen is wearing compression garments. Although people have been wearing these tight-fitting articles of clothing for centuries, it’s debatable as to whether or not they actually aid the body in burning fat . . . or if they simply make the body appear slimmer. Are compression garments beneficial to weight loss? The best way to approach that question is to assess the claims held by compression garment “science.” Read on to learn more:

Water Weight Loss

It is a long-held belief than compression garments help you lose weight in the areas they cover because they promote increased sweating. Of course, this is true. The more clothing you wear – and the tighter it is – the more you are going to sweat. As your body loses water from sweat, it naturally loses weight. Some people report dropping as much as 5 to 7 extra pounds per workout due to compression garment usage. However – and this is the important part – that weight loss is temporary. The moment you consume water to replace the water you lost, your body puts that weight right back on.

Micromassage

Micromassage is exactly what it sounds like: massage on a very small scale. Some medical doctors claim that compression garments actually micromassage those stubborn fat deposits while you move around. While there are some scientific studies that seem to support the belief that micromassage can improve the appearance of cellulite, there is no solid proof that micromassage leads to weight loss. More importantly, there is no solid proof that compression garments provide micromassage on a substantial enough level to accomplish any of the claimed benefits.

Compression

The most obvious immediate effect of wearing compression garments is the illusion of slimness. It is obvious how compression garments accomplish this, and some doctors would have you believe that this also equates to weight loss. However, there is no supporting evidence that the compression factor of compression garments can actually help you lose weight.

As you can see, there are a lot of claims backing up the supposed weight loss benefits of compression garments, but very little evidence supporting those claims. When it comes down to it, the only surefire way to lose the weight you want to lose is through diet and exercise. Should you include compression garments in the mix? That’s for you to decide.


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