Is working out while wrapped in plastic good for weight loss?

Dear Reader, 

There isn’t a lot of research on wearing plastic wrap during exercise, specifically. However, available studies confirm that body suits made to increase sweating may lead to temporary weight loss. Losing extra sweat can become dangerous to your health without timely rehydration. Burning fat and losing weight is typically a more complicated and long-term process than simply sweating more during a workout routine. Read on for some pro tips on increasing your health gains during the process! 

What do body suits and plastic wrap do during exercise? 

Increased sweating is indeed what likely makes the number on the scale drop after you exercise with body suits or plastic wrap. This happens because these practices increase your body temperature as you move through your workout. As you sweat, your body loses water, and your weight drops temporarily. However, as you drink water and eat food, your weight typically returns to its pre-sweat state. 

Are there risks to using these items while working out? 

Trying to lose weight in this way can come with some risks. Dehydration because of excessive sweating and lack of water during exercise can increase your risk of passing out or injury. The increase in body temperature may also lead to heat-related illnesses. This might involve symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and further sweating. 

How does your body burn fat? 

Losing body fat is a complicated process and is only one part of weight loss. People gain body fat when the energy they take in is more than their body uses on a day-to-day basis. This in turn either expands the current fat cells or creates new fat cells. To lose body fat, you’d need to use more energy, so that your body breaks down fat for additional energy. While the fat cells shrink, the cells themselves don’t leave the body.  

During the process, fat “burns” or is broken down through metabolization, leaving water and carbon dioxide behind as byproducts. The water leaves the body through urine and sweat, while carbon dioxide leaves through breathing.  

Losing weight may help some people improve certain health indicators. However, it’s helpful to note that having some level of fat in your body helps maintain healthy body functions. Body fat fuels you throughout your days, helps you feel comfortable in different temperatures, supports your metabolism, and protects your organs. 

How can you increase fat burning and weight loss safely? 

When it comes to burning fat and losing weight, it typically involves long-term efforts and lifestyle changes. One method is to find exercises that you enjoy that contribute to weight loss, rather than doing any old exercise for the sake of working out. Some examples of this are walking, dancing, or hula hooping. Other forms of exercise can include muscle-strengthening exercises since muscles use more calories than fat. You may also try adding short stints of intense exercise into your current routine, which is also known as interval training. For example, if you exercise by walking, you might speed up for a few minutes several times throughout your workout. 

Another approach is being mindful of what you eat, particularly with high sugar and high fat foods. As you eat, you may also experiment with eating mindfully, paying close attention to when you eat your food and how you feel. This can help you become aware of what makes you feel good as well as note those foods that cause you more discomfort. Additionally, making sure that you get enough sleep may help you keep your appetite stable and assist with losing fat. 

What are some safer outfit options for exercise? 

To dress for success, comfort is the guiding principle, even when it comes to the gym. Instead of a body suit or plastic wrap, consider other outfit factors before your next workout: 

• Fabrics: Choose fabrics that both absorb sweat from skin and dry quickly. This can help your body stay dry and comfortable. Some examples include polyester, polypropylene, and wool.
• Fit: Choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably during exercise of your choice. For example, loose-fitting clothing can be good for exercises like walking and basketball, while clothes that fit more tightly and stretch more may work better for running and biking.
• Shoes: Opt for shoes that are designed for the type of activity you’re engaging in. Select ones that best fit the shape and size of your feet.
• Weather: Depending on where you work out, take temperature and weather into account when choosing your outfit. 

List adapted from MedlinePlus 

Burning fat and losing weight can be a lengthy process, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Choosing exercises you like, building healthy eating and sleeping habits, and dressing comfortably for workouts can go a long way. 

Here’s to unwrapping the myths of healthy exercise,