Corsets have marked an important part of woman's fashion, but this year is back in a more extreme form - to help women lose weight. I’m talking about a new hit diet - the corset diet.
Scarlett O’Hara holds herself to the bed frame, while her maid motivates her to expel more air so that she can tighten her corset better, or to reduce her waist circumference with the aim of getting the best husband. It is no wonder then that many people at the mention of the corset think of the old movies in which the corset looks like a medieval instruments of torture, a subject that further subjugates women to have as small waist. However, women are still using corsets and bustiers (some of you might think that there's no difference between corsets and bustiers, but there is and you can read it here) , because not only is it a symbol of social status, but also has many other advantages.
Corsets from the 16 and 17 century were so narrow that they caused changes in the appearance and layout of internal organs in women. However, since then corsets have evolved and health risks exists only if you exaggerate its wearing and with clear and excessive tightening.
In an interview after giving birth attractive actress Jessica Alba told how it is good to wear a corset to reduce the waist circumference, which influenced many ladies to start wearing it on a daily basis. The actress also revealed that for three months she was clad in two corsets after giving birth to her second child, daughter Haven. "It was brutal. It's not for everyone” she frankly admitted in the interview.
Safety and exaggeration
While some doctors recommend this "corset diet" to their patients, others are skeptical about this method and fear that it could cause health problems. The secret is that tight corset move and exert pressure on the lower ribs, and because of that pressure women eat less. In addition to that, an extra layer and stronger pressure causes sweating, which leads to a more rapid weight loss.
There are some women who had been using this method and lost up to 15 centimeter at the waist by wearing a corset three to five hours a day, before they decided to extend it to 12 hours. Dr. Alexander Sinclair said in the interview for the ABC news that this is an excellent way to reduce your waist. However, some patients are so happy with this method of weight loss that it has turned into a competition. Every centimeter has become very important, and some patients wear a corset for up to 14, 15 hours a day.
Of course, rare are those who approve this diet that is increasingly being used by many celebrities. Not only do they believe that it is not safe, but that it is a lie that is effective. Doctors say it's terrible and that it is medically completely pointless. They find that this may harm women, even for weight loss, because digestion is difficult due to pressure. Prolonged wear may cause acid reflux and proper breathing is difficult due to the pressure placed on the diaphragm and lungs. And if you cannot breathe properly your health is greatly compromised. In addition, there is no burning of calories - and how can there be when you almost cannot move.
Dr. Sinclair admits that this method can cause problems if a woman goes too far with wearing it. Corset can shrink the lungs and cause pain in the joints, compress internal organs and cause painful muscle spasms. Also, it is almost impossible to take a deep breath - says Dr. Sue Decotiis, an opponent of this diet. According to her, the corset can help you eat less, but you will not effectively solve the fat on the waist.
What do you think about these aspirations for rapid weight loss? Are they desperate moves or can they help, if applicable under the supervision of experts? Or frankly do you not give a damn?
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Add a Comment2 Comments
Hi Maya,
Great article and information, to help many decide if this is really worth it. I still believe exercising and watching what you eat, is a safer and healthier way to lose weight.
Best,
Daisy
November 25, 2013 - 5:41amThis Comment
Hi Daisy,
It seems that we think a like. I agree with you that exercising and eating healthy is the best way to lose weight and this is one of the many diets that intrigued me, especially because, when I gave birth to my first child, my mother in law suggested wearing corset to lose weight and decrease the circumference of my waist (that was 8 years ago). I dismissed the idea immediately (I love to feel comfortable lol), so I was pretty shocked that someone (especially Jessica Alba) tried it and "succeeded" in it) . Glad you liked my research and article.
Wish you all the best,
Maya
November 25, 2013 - 11:41pmThis Comment