Scarlet O’Hara wore a corset, Kim Kardashian  wears a “waist trainer”. Are we bringing back beauty secrets from the past? What is this latest trend, and does it really work?

Waist Trainers are the current “go-to” fitness trick that celebrities are promoting. Waist trainers are similar to a corset in that they are a band of material wrapped tightly around the waist and lower ribcage to create an hourglass shape.  Some are even made of nylon and neoprene to promote intense sweating during workouts. The supporters of this trend claim that they promote weight loss and change the shape of your body by creating a slimmer waist. Is there medical evidence to support these claims?

The medical experts opinion:

Dr. Farber states that while the waist trainers create temporary slimming effects and help provide shape under clothing, there is no medical evidence to support long term effects of waist trainers to create slimmer waists or promoting weight loss. Some experts claim that constant wearing of waist trainers can even decrease core strength. Waist trainers worn during exercise can also decrease your ability to take deep breaths and can contribute to heart burn.

The best path to a smaller, flatter waist is core exercise such as planks and twisting crunches. Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks is also a great procedure to improve your waistline and create a flatter tummy. Liposuction helps get rid of excess fat in a targeted area. Many people state that liposuction helps jump start their path to achieving their ideal body.

Dr. Scott Farber is a body contouring expert using the latest techniques to help his patients improve their appearance and self-esteem. To schedule an appointment, please call (561) 503-2700.