In the past few years, Waist Trainer have gained popularity in the fitness world. Athletes, celebrities and social media influencers wear them during workouts to sweat out the calories and show off their toned midsections. Waist trainer evangelists promise that the corset-like garment can sculpt a woman’s belly into an hourglass shape with regular wear.

Empowerment Through Shapewear: Butt Lifters and Body Confidence

However, these cinchers may not be safe to use and can actually be harmful, especially if worn too tightly. When cinched up too tightly, waist trainers restrict the movement of your diaphragm, which can interfere with breathing and cause abdominal pain. The compression can also make it harder to digest food and cause bloating or acid reflux.

Moreover, prolonged constriction of the abdomen can weaken the muscles that support the area and lead to an imbalance in the core. In some cases, this can lead to rib fractures.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that women wearing a waist trainer for an extended period lost no significant weight, but did have less muscle mass and a lower maximum oxygen consumption (MVV) than a control group that didn’t wear a waist trainer.

For those who still want to get in a good shape, experts recommend sticking to sustainable lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and frequent exercise. It’s also advisable to talk to your doctor before trying waist training, as it could increase intra-abdominal pressure, which can be dangerous for pregnant women.