Do Body Wraps Work for Fat Loss?
Body wraps are a popular treatment in fat loss spas and clinics, but do they really work for fat loss?
Ben Greenfield
One popular treatment in fat loss spas and clinics is body wraps, which are advertised as a cure for everything from loose skin to toxicity to – you guessed it – excess weight.
So what exactly is a body wrap? Basically, it begins with a “wrapping” material – such as bandages, clay, mud, or seaweed – which has been soaked in herbs. Next, you are wrapped, from your ankles up to your neck, and remain in the wrap for around an hour, during which time you may relax, or you may exercise, depending on the spa where you’re having the procedure. Finally, the wrap is removed and…voila! You’re slimmer and have tighter, firmer skin.
That is, temporarily.
While body wraps will certainly hydrate, tighten, and firm your skin (which may give you a more
slim appearance), and may even cause sweating that could potentially remove “toxins” (or at least, excess fluid) from your body, none of this can be considered as direct fat loss. However, if that body wrap makes you feel so good, so clean, and so energized that you get inspired to exercise and eat healthy, then yes indeed – body wraps may work for fat loss! Just don’t be fooled into thinking you can walk out of the wrap 10 pounds lighter.
If you have more questions about whether body wraps work for fat loss, then ask away at the Get-Fit Guy Facebook page.
A detail image of the feet from Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.