Are there any long-term risks?
Most doctors agree that a waisttrainer would cause damage to your internal organs if worn for too long. In the short-term, any discomfort you feel would likely prompt you to loosen your stays.
If you didn’t mind the discomfort and kept the waist trainer on, too few calories could be unsustainable. It could even prove to be dangerous. Restrictive diets can slow down your metabolism, which can lead to future weight gain, as well as disordered eating, and weakness.
Constriction can also cause constipation or bloating. “This compression can also contribute to acid reflux by interfering with normal digestive flow,” Dr. Laskowski wrote.
A waist trainer can also cause a decrease in the natural movement and function of your diaphragm. This can then affect your ability to breathe. That’s especially true if you wear one while working out. Dr. Lombardo explained that in rare cases people might pass out.
“Having good airflow, like you’re designed to, is a good thing,” she said.
The bottom line
Waist trainers are just one of many unproven, ineffective products that are available to women who are unhappy with their weight.
“It’s why we have a billion-dollar weight-loss industry: We want the easy way out,” Dr. Lombardo said.
That’s not to say that smoothing lumps and bumps under an outfit for a night out isn’t worthwhile for some. Confidence is important, so if shapewear makes your feel better, you can slip it on. For long-term, sustainable results, it is better to eat a healthy diet, incorporate strength training into your workouts, and be kind to yourself.
“Nothing beats the basics of clean eating, physical activity and strength training, including core exercise,” Dr. Laskowski wrote. “The best ‘brace’ you can give your midsection is your core muscles working together, and the best ‘corset’ is your muscle ‘corset.’”
Source: NY Times