What Are Magnets on Slimming Belts Used For?

For individuals looking to lose weight instantly, turning to a slimming belt is a popular choice. Manufacturers of slimming belts claim they melt away fat in your waist area and make you look instantly slimmer in the process. Many slimming belts have magnets sewn into the belt. Manufacturers claim these magnets ease pain and help to stimulate circulation. This increases weight loss. As of 2014, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of slimming belts with magnets for weight loss.

A muscular man is standing with a belt over his shoulder. (Image: Ibrakovic/iStock/Getty Images)

Claims of Proponents

Visit any site that sells slimming belts and you will read the same claims. Manufacturers indicate that slimming belts used magnetic resonance vibrations as a powerful weight loss tool. The vibrations of the magnets are designed to tone the abdomen and burn calories simply by wearing the slimming belt.

Magnet History

Using magnets for health is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. According to Dr. Sarah Brewer, author of "Natural Health Guru," Cleopatra reportedly wore magnets on her forehead as part of her beauty routine. Magnetism represented a universal life force that was important to all living things.

Science and Magnetic Devices

The American Cancer Society reports that the many magnetic devices, from pain relief to weight loss, do not accomplish what the manufacturers promise. There is no evidence supporting the claims of magnetic slimming belt proponents, although the belts may provide a placebo effect for true believers. In addition, wearing a magnetic slimming belt may be detrimental to those who use pacemakers or insulin pumps; the magnets may interfere with the functioning of these life-saving devices.

Facts About Magnetic Devices

You are more likely to lose weight from sweating while wearing a magnet slimming belt than the actual magnets themselves. However, the weight loss while sweating is only water weight which can easily be gained back. Individuals, however, are spending billions of dollars on magnetic devices, according to Leonard Finegold, a physics professor at Drexel University and Dr. Bruce Flamm, professor at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.