Can you vibrate fat away?

Many people have heard of whole body vibration (WBV) and its purported benefits for weight loss, burning fat and toning muscles. But can you really vibrate your fat away, or is it all just hype? Let’s take a look at the research to find out.

Does Whole Body Vibration Aid in Weight Loss?

When it comes to straight-up weight loss, research has been inconclusive. A review of existing studies found that WBV led to a significant amount of fat loss, but there was no significant change in body fat percentage after having sessions shorter than 6 months. However, even though losing fat weight is possible, exercise physiologist Paul Magill says it’s “not enough to create a clinically significant change in body fat percentage.” Furthermore, another study found that WBV was not a suitable option to reduce body weight as the metabolic cost of a standard WBV session is equivalent to burning only 10g/hr.

Does Vibrating Your Belly Help You Lose Weight?

It may seem tempting to think you can vibrate the fat away from your belly but the truth is far less glamorous. The Kansas Historical Society notes that these devices emerged as long ago as the mid-1850s; claiming to simulate massage and loosen fat on the body. But in truth, there is no real scientific evidence that jiggling your belly will help you lose weight, despite what some bold manufacturers might claim. In fact, the American Council on Exercise has outright dubbed the idea of spot-reducing fat as “a myth.”

Can You Lose Weight with Massage?

Though studies on whole body vibration were inconclusive, studies from the University of Tsukuba do report that regular massage helped participants shave off an average of around 2mm from their waists. The study evaluated the effect of three different massage techniques: mechanical massage, connective tissue manipulation and manual lymphatic drainage.

Conclusion

The truth is that your body composition generally can’t be changed through vibration alone in a significant and lasting manner. Weight loss through WBV requires a multi-faceted approach of combining the right nutrition and fitness regime along with treatment. To experience the full benefits of WBV, it is important to understand the contributions that exercise, healthy diet, and medicinal treatments can have in the long run. Thus, if you think WBV is right for you, make sure to speak with your doctor or a physical therapist so you can get on the right track for you.

In conclusion, whole body vibration does appear to provide some benefits for weight loss and improved body composition, but more research is needed to definitively prove its effectiveness. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that belly jiggling or massage can help you lose weight, and spot reduction is not a real phenomenon. If you’re looking for a way to lose weight and improve body composition, speak with your doctor about safe and effective methods that are right for you.