Do tummy trimmers and vibration belts work? Here’s what you should know

Most of us have seen advertisements promising to swiftly reduce belly fat by exercising using tummy trimmers or vibration belts. They claim to burn the fat in the abdomen area, making you look slimmer. Many of these equipment are costly as well and are also used by many to handle period cramps. If you are thinking about buying one of these to be slim and trim, here's what you should know. According to experts, a few hormones and enzymes control the fat-burning process in the body rather than exercises that target certain body parts. Hormones like insulin and glucagon and enzymes like Hormone Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and Lipo – lipoprotein lipase (LPL) control the fat percentage in the body.

Fat gets absorbed after eating food due to the combined process of insulin and LPL. Meanwhile, glucagon and HSL utilize the fat when the body requires energy. When you exercise the increased functioning of glucagon and HSL helps in burning fat. The LPL process in the muscles turns fat into energy. This hormonal reaction along with energy generation during workouts influences the fat distribution throughout the body.

Are the results permanent?
Exercise machines targeting specific body parts cannot burn fat as the machines cannot influence or change the chemical processes. Advertisements claim that tummy trimmers can burn fat by pressing onto the abdomen area. However, such methods may give you only temporary results. Besides, there isn’t any scientific proof that vibration belts can reduce belly fat. Our genetic features also play a vital role in determining the areas in our body where fat gets deposited. Factors like these cannot be altered merely by using a machine. It is not possible to reduce belly fat using such shortcuts or machines. Lifestyle changes are the most healthy means to reduce belly fat. Realistic workouts that combine cardio exercises and strength training, a balanced diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats and 7 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night are some of the factors that could help you reduce belly fat.