Menu

Body Wraps: Do They Work?

body wrap mud clay

Body wraps are the new “it” treatment at the spas. The celebrities are boasting about it and your friend down the street is probably talking about how it is her new go to for weight loss. Apparently, they are the new “cure for everything” treatment, or at least that is how they are being advertised.

There’s even a cheaper way that some are using to lose inches by wrapping themselves in plastic wrap and literally sweating the inches off.

Sign Up for the Black Doctor Newsletter!

MUST READ:Model Says Her Kidney Disease Was Caused By Waist Trainer

Featured on BlackDoctor

They promise to treat everything from loose skin, toxicity and even excess weight! So I’m sure you’re wondering how does this work and where can I get one?

Body wrapping historically was simply a method of losing weight in certain areas of the body through vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels). Ace bandages would be wrapped around your body parts and would cause a quick, and temporary weight loss. Contemporarily, this treatment is a bit more of a complex procedure.

It often involves serums, lotions, mud, and/or seaweed that are supposed to assist in the weight loss and toxin release process. Steam and other environmental factors are also used for an added relaxation or harmonizing effects. And instead of wrapping just certain portions of the body, the spas do more of a cocoon/mummy-type wrap, where your entire body is completely concealed.

YOU SHOULD SEE: A Free Program For Those Who Need Help Losing Weight!

The ideology of body wrapping is based upon two principles: absorption and compacting. The body is wrapped tight, and therefore, the heat will open your pores and release moisture and toxins. The clay and other substances that your body is wrapped in absorb the matter being released. This wrapping process compacts the body and in essence, slims it down.

So, what is the issue?

Sweating too much can lead to dehydration which is dangerous as the sweat does not dry, but stays on the body, raising body temperature possibly to unsafe levels. Profuse sweating also leads to changes in blood chemistry, reducing blood volume and sending less oxygen to the cells. Weakness, dizziness, confusion, coma and even death can result because of excessive fluid loss. If you are having a body wrap at a spa, your attendant may not be qualified to deal with any of these reactions.

The dangers of wrapping your stomach in plastic are not limited to sweating alone. Cling wrap used for wrapping the stomach is made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has been described as one of the most dangerous consumer products. It leaches harmful substances which have been linked to negative effects on the liver, spleen, kidneys, bone formation and body weight. PVC is also linked to cancer.Some wraps are dipped in mineral products, some of which may contain aluminum, which is linked to Alzheimer’s. In addition, you may be allergic to some of the ingredients used in the wrap.

CHECK THIS OUT: The One Place You Should NOT Lose Weight

With that said, body wrapping can be okay, but lets be clear: this is a very temporary option. If you need to fit into a tight little dress for a special occasion, a body wrap before the event would be perfect. If you are trying to lose some weight and keep it off, you’re better off picking up a gym membership.

While these wraps may moisturize, tighten and firm you skin, it cannot be used as a replacement for good old exercise. Not to mention, a gym membership can run you about $50-100 bucks per month and body wraps at a spa cost about $75-500 per session. And even if you only use plastic wrap, many women complain of weight coming back unless they add diet and exercise to their regime.

So what’s the lesson? Go old school. Eating right and exercise always works.

SHARE
Related Stories
Answer the question below
What actions have you taken regarding your leaky heart valve?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search