You’re always on the lookout for new techniques to take care of your waistline and improve the appearance of your stomach. Lately, you’ve been hearing about slimming belts. What exactly are they? Curious to find out more? No problem — we’ve done the research for you. So, what is a slimming belt, and is it actually an effective way to slim down?
What is a slimming belt?
A slimming belt is a type of corset. It typically consists of a soft, elastic band of fabric worn around the waist. Usually wide, it adjusts to your waist size and fastens with Velcro straps. The promises of the slimming belt:
- Losing centimetres around the waist
- A flatter stomach
- Smoother skin and a firmer appearance
It’s worth noting that there are several types of slimming belt available on the weight-loss market.
- The sweat belt: also known as a heating belt. Made from a technical fabric (often a blend of neoprene, Lycra, polyamide and PVC) with a sauna-like effect, this belt generates heat and encourages localised sweating. According to its manufacturers, the heat produced is supposed to help slim the waist. It is often worn during exercise.
- The vibrating belt: a belt fitted with a small motor that emits vibrations. These vibrations massage the abdominal muscles. They do not act on abdominal water retention.
- The electrostimulation belt: a belt worn around the waist and equipped with electrodes, which must be carefully positioned on each of the abdominal muscles. Electrostimulation uses gentle electrical impulses to stimulate the abdominal muscles.
Are slimming belts really effective?
What should we make of slimming belts? Do these belts, which promise to help you lose belly fat, truly offer the ultimate solution for melting away those stubborn rolls? That’s far from certain.
When it comes to the sweat belt, let’s be straightforward: sweating has never made anyone lose weight. Sweating is a physiological function designed to regulate body temperature (thermoregulation) and release pheromones. Its so-called “detoxifying” effect has not been proven. If you feel slimmer after sweating, it’s simply down to water loss. Sweating does not trigger lipolysis in any way. So, the heating belt will not help you lose belly fat.
The verdict on the vibrating belt is much the same. Simple mechanical vibrations, without stimulation, physical effort or massage, trigger neither lipolysis nor weight loss. Numerous studies have been conducted on the subject(1), focusing in particular on the effectiveness of vibrating platforms, with no convincing results in terms of fat mass reduction.
As for the electrostimulation belt, the picture is far more nuanced. Some research (2) has looked at electrostimulation, combined with physical activity, as a way to tone the body. The electrical impulses gently stimulate the deep muscles. They don’t act on fat mass as such. An electrostimulation belt can be used alongside regular exercise, adequate hydration and a balanced diet.
Is there another type of slimming belt?
At Cellublue, we decided to innovate and draw inspiration from cold treatments. That’s how we developed a rather unique belt: the belt. It is inspired by cryotherapy, or cold therapy, and in particular by one of its applications: cryolipolysis.
Fat cells are sensitive to low temperatures. Cryolipolysis exposes fat cells to cold and aims to trigger apoptosis — in other words, the “death” of these cells. The technique, now offered at many aesthetic medicine clinics, is carried out by professionals and has been the subject of studies (3). Our belt is inspired by it, without being its equivalent. If you have any questions, ask your doctor for advice.
Our Cold Slimming Belt is based on cold exposure. It contains pockets filled with a special gel, designed to go in the freezer without hardening. The pockets then slip into the belt, which hugs the waist and is made from a soft, non-irritating fabric.
Our recommendation: 2 daily sessions of 15 minutes each, for use on the abdominal area. To complement your at-home cryotherapy session, you can also use our belly cryo gel, a menthol-based formula with Oriental Lotus and arctic algae. Two steps to combine in your tummy routine.
What about a cellulite belt?
Smoother skin is one of the promises made by many belts. But a belt is no substitute for the habits mentioned above: regular exercise, adequate hydration and a balanced diet.
To round off your routine, you could set aside time to massage the area regularly, for example with a massage oil or an orange peel massager. It’s also a lovely moment to treat yourself to.
The cooling gel that leaves the skin on your stomach firmer
- Arctic Algae, Prosveltyl® & Menthol, combined in a formula designed for the stomach and hips
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the fresh sensation last longer
- 🍃 98.3% natural-origin ingredients
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
References
(1) 2003, Roelants, Delecluse, Goris, Verschueren, Effects of 24 weeks of whole body vibration training on body composition and muscle strength in untrained females
(2) Cometti, Intérêt de l’électrostimulation dans l’entrainement des sportifs de haut niveau
(3) 2015, Ingargiola, Motakef, Chung, Vasconez, Sasaki, Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction and Body Contouring: Safety and Efficacy of Current Treatment Paradigms
Related articles
- Body creams: what do they actually promise?
- Homeopathy and weight loss: what you need to know
- How to lose belly fat without exercise?
Useful categories: Cosmeto-Textile for Slimming, Slimming the Belly.
