Losing weight is an extremely popular fitness goal: over half of Americans list it as important to them.[1]
Many people consider their stomachs to be especially troublesome, and
research shows that stomach fat is in fact the most dangerous to your
health.[2]
While you will not achieve massive weight loss without diet and
exercise, there are a few things you can do to slim your stomach line
without heading to the gym or starving yourself.
Mimicking Weight Loss Temporarily
1, Try tummy-control garments. There have never been
more options in the undergarment industry for clothing that tighten,
firm, and shape the midsection. Made mainstream by Spanx, tummy-control
garments are available in many types for people of most sizes.
- Women's undergarments include tummy control pantyhose, panties, high-waisted shorts, body suits, camisoles, and tank tops made of Lycra, elastic, or some combination. Most mainstream undergarment brands for women carry control top styles, but the most popular include Spanx, Soma, and TC Shaping. Buy your normal size and expect it to run small.
- There are many options for men, including Spanx or Sculptees brand tank tops for men that target the abdominals. These are essentially compression shirts that whittle the appearance of the midsection. While results will vary, these companies claim their products can reduce the midsection by 3-5".
2, Take advantage of current trends in corseting and waist training.
This method involves wearing a binding garment across the abdomen. If
done in moderation, corseting can create a thinner silhouette without
any other lifestyle changes.
- Some celebrities swear by corseting as a weight loss mechanism, and although doctors say it won't actually help you lose fat cells, it can help you lose weight by cinching in your stomach as you eat so that you don't have as much room to overeat.[3]
- Be careful about wearing these too tight or too frequently. Because they can reduce your stomach capacity, you might vomit after eating even a normal sized meal. They can also contribute to heartburn.[4]
- Purchase your corset at a store with a knowledgeable sales staff, who can help you fit it correctly and learn to lace it appropriately so that it is not too tight.
3, Consider a body wrap. Body wraps are spa treatments
that claim to detoxify and slim the midsection. With training, these can
also be done at home. While the process can vary, most involve several
steps and the application of several types of body products.[5]
- The aesthetician will start by massaging and applying a body scrub to your midsection, which will then be rinsed in a shower. The body scrub will contain a variety of herbs and minerals thought to cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce the appearance of fat or cellulite.
- The body will then be rubbed with a lotion or oil containing other emollients and properties.
- Next, the midsection will be securely wrapped in linen, plastic, or thermal sheets, and then an electric heated blanket will be used to warm the body for about 30 minutes, which will cause sweating. This step in particular is thought to remove impurities and reduce the appearance of fat.
- After removing the blanket and wraps, the midsection will be massaged again to increase blood flow.
- While this process is not supported for weight loss, many clients feel that it reduces the appearance of stomach fat and cellulite, especially with repeated treatments. Due to the sweating process, it is not uncommon for clients to experience a loss of a couple of inches, although this will be temporary.[6]
4, Reduce your water weight. The body can retain water
for various reasons, giving a bloated appearance particularly around the
waist. Reducing water weight will temporarily slim the waistline.[7]
- Hydrate. In many cases, water retention is the body's effort to prevent dehydration when you are not taking in enough water per day. This is especially true in hotter months. Be sure you are drinking at least 8 cups of water a day, which will help flush out your system and reduce bloating and puffiness.[8]
- Reduce your sodium intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water. Avoid processed foods and restaurant food, which tends to contain more salt than is recommended. You should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.[9]
- Reduce your alcohol and coffee consumption. These drinks are known to cause dehydration, which can cause water retention in the body (as the body struggles to hold onto whatever water it can). [10]
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Health