Are Tummy Vibrating Belts Effective for Weight Loss? Understanding Their Real Impact

Losing weight is a long process. Having a nutritious diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein is of the utmost importance when trying to lose weight. Working out regularly is also very important and should include a balance of strength training and cardio. Although marketed as fitness accessories for quick weight loss, waist belts will NOT help you lose weight or act as waist trimmers– burning more calories than you eat is needed to lose body fat.

A vibrating belt wraps around your waist trainers and stimulates your abdominals with electrical contractions. But it does just that – stimulate your abs. It will not melt fat or burn calories. Eating right and exercising to burn more calories than you eat are key for weight loss.

How Do Tummy Vibrating Belts Work?

These are the electronic belts that work on the theory of Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS). They jiggle your belly for 10 – 15 minutes to stimulate the muscles of the stomach. Some manufacturers also claim that these belts reduce the volume of your tummy to restrict your food intake considerably. This gradually leads to weight loss. Tummy vibrating belts also produce heat that makes you sweat and lose excess body water, but not excess body fat. Thus, the belts can be a good option for those who want to reduce tummy without exercise.

Did You Know?

Water retention in the body can lead to water weight. Depending on the level of water retention, a person’s weight may fluctuate by 2 to 4 pounds in the course of a single day.

How To Use A Tummy Vibrating Belt For Weight Loss?

You can wear vibrating belts on any desired area, be it your belly, thighs, or hips. They offer speeds of up to 5500 rotations in a minute. Some tummy vibrating belts have timer adjustments as well. You can set the timer for the desired period of vibration. The belt will automatically switch off after the set time.

Given below are the steps you need to follow while using a tummy vibration belt:

1. This belt is worn directly on the skin. So remove the clothes from your stomach or before you wear it.
2. You can tie the belt to your waist, with its soft side in contact with your skin. Bring both of its sides to the front of the belly button. Then use Velcro to secure it tightly over that area.
3. Switch on the power button and adjust the vibration speed according to your suitability.
4. You can carry on with your workout routine at the same time.
5. Keep your tummy belt on for 15-20 minutes, and then remove it.

Before you start using an abdominal belt for weight loss, it’s important to learn about the different types of belts that are available and their mechanism. Scroll down to understand more about these belts.

Types Of Tummy Vibrating Belts

Before you choose to buy the belts, it is better to know about the various types of belts available in the market. There are different types of belts with unique and special features. They are:

1. Slimming Belts With Speed Variation: You can adjust the speed limit in these slimming devices.

2. Exercising Slimming Belts: They are used while exercising to increase your perspiration, which just increases water loss.

3. Supporting Vibrating Belts: These core strengthening devices support the back to help you brace your core.

4. Slimming Belts With Sauna Action: They work by increasing the temperature around the area where they are tied.

How Tummy Vibrating Belts Aid Weight Loss?

Tummy vibrating belts do not aid weight loss. They only offer electrical stimulation to your abdominals. Losing weight requires burning more calories than you consume. If you want to target fat around your abdomen, avoid fried foods, white carbs, and added sugars, walk daily, and lift challenging weights with fitness equipment at least 3-4 times a week.

Following are the ways how tummy vibrating belts aid weight loss:

1. Augmenting Blood Circulation

Vibrating belts with heating pads are excellent for this. By inducing body heat, they increase your body temperature and may promote blood flow to the abdomen. Anecdotal evidence suggests this may help digestion and reduce lower back pain.

2. Controlling Your Hunger

Belts place pressure on your abdomen and cause it to squeeze in. Anecdotal evidence suggests this may reduce hunger and lead you to consume fewer calories.

3. Leading To Muscle Contraction

These vibrating fat burning belts with controlled speeds and vibration send small impulses to your stomach muscles and also act as massage belts, muscle toning belts, or tummy tuck belts. These currents may excite the nerves and help to contract the muscles, which is good for massage therapy, vibration therapy, and physical therapy.

Sophie Reu, a YouTuber, discussed her experience with a tummy vibrating belt and the visible results she was able to achieve. She shares in her vlog, “This actually had a very positive positive outcome for me. So this is actually my second belt (i).” She further states, “I don’t wear this to work out, I only wear it to sleep…. I noticed that when I wore it, I would lose a lot of that [water] weight overnight, because obviously, I’m sweating all night wearing these belts.”

Quick Tip

The contractions induced by vibrations of the abdominal toning belts may help tone the abdominal muscles; however, the effect is significantly low compared to vibration exercise machines to what actual abdominal exercise can achieve. To amplify the effect and strengthen and tone your muscles, follow a high-protein diet and practice strength training at least 3 times a week.

Now that you know about the benefits of using tummy vibrating belts, scroll down to learn the potential side effects of using them.

Side Effects Of Tummy Vibrating Belts

Anecdotal evidence suggest that tummy vibrating belts may cause the following side effects:

• Prolonged use of vibrating belts may lead to redness, skin irritation, and discomfort.
• Using the belt for extended hours may lead to muscle fatigue (a decrease in the muscles’ ability to perform an activity).
• Wearing vibrating belts for long periods of time may disrupt your daily activities.
• These belts make you sweat more, which may initially aid in water weight loss. However, you may regain your weight after your body gets rehydrated.
• Tummy vibrating belts hold the sweat against the skin and prevent fresh air from circulating. This may cause itchiness and rashes.

Cautions To Be Taken While Wearing Tummy Vibrating Belts

You need to be mindful of a few things while using tummy vibrating belts. They are listed below:

• Individuals with pacemakers should avoid wearing these belts. This gadget passes electric currents that may intercept the signals of
• These belts may cause an itching or tingling sensation on the skin. They may be caused by the electrical impulses of the belt. These sensations stop when you switch off the power. Mary Sabat, RDN, LD, CPT, says, “The skin may itch after a vibration plate session due to increased blood circulation and the vibration stimulating nerve endings in the skin.”
• Avoid close contact with water and make sure your hands aren’t wet while operating these belts. Water may cause an electric shock or even severe burn injuries.
• To avoid dehydration, drink lots of water after using sauna vibrating belts as they may lead to excessive loss of body water.
• Check the warranty details and return policies of the seller of your belt. This will keep you on the safe side if you feel dissatisfied with the product.

Always consult your physician before you use any tummy vibrating belts; especially if you have serious heart diseases or blood pressure problems. These belts work by passing electric impulses, and hence individuals who have such health problems should exercise caution.

Infographic: A Simple Guide To Using Tummy Vibrating Belts

Tummy vibrating belts may help reduce the volume of your stomach which may help curb your appetite and result in weight loss. However, you should use it in the right way to avail these benefits. We have provided a simple step-by-step guide to using the tummy vibrating belt. Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I use the Vibro shape belt?

Use the Vibro shape belt for 10-15 minutes a day. This body shaper will allow your muscles to contract 30-50 times per second.

Can whole body vibration be harmful?

No. Several whole body vibration machines are considered safe. However, they can be harmful in some situations. Hence, check with your doctor before using them.

How many calories does a vibration plate burn in 10 minutes?

You may burn up to 190 calories on a vibration plate in 10 minutes.

Who should not use vibration plates?

People with heart disease or those with a pacemaker, or who have been diagnosed with blood clotting disorders should avoid using vibration plates.

Illustration: Are Tummy Vibrating Belts Effective For Weight Loss?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Slimming belts can aid weight loss and relax your muscles. However, they are not a magic tool. If you are wondering if slimming belts really work, check out this video.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Gabbi BerkowMA, RD, CDN, CPT

   

Gabbi Berkow is a Registered Dietitian, exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and dancer with 10 years of experience. She specializes in weight loss, nutrition and exercise for losing fat/ building muscle, sports nutrition/nutrition for active individuals, and eating disorders.

Read full bio of Gabbi Berkow

• 
  Mary SabatMS, RDN, LD Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.
  
  Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.

Shirin MehdiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.

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Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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