Fajas, or you might know them as compression garments or shapewear, have been worn for centuries in various parts of the world.
However, the reason why you or me, might have just recently been properly introduced to them, especially in the context of fitness, is that in recent years, they have become increasingly popular among women in general, and waist trainers is specific, seeking to sculpt their bodies and achieve a slimmer, more streamlined appearance.
In the last few decades, fajas have undergone a significant evolution in terms of their design, materials, and functionality. Today, you can find on the market a wide range of styles, from high-waisted shorts to full-body suits, which are made from materials such as spandex, nylon, and latex.
Believe it or not, fajas have become a staple in many women’s wardrobes, and are often worn for special occasions or as part of an everyday outfit (which shocks me the most, and we’ll get to that.)
What Is The Relationship Between Fajas and Weight Loss?
One of the most common reasons why people wear fajas nowadays is the fact that it is being marketed by companies and by those who tried them as a “slimming” solution. And when people hear slimming they instantly think of weight loss.
Some people believe that fajas can help to accelerate the weight loss process by compressing the midsection and stimulating perspiration. However, the effectiveness of fajas for weight loss is a topic of debate among experts, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and drawbacks.
Despite this, many people continue to use fajas as a tool to help them achieve their weight loss objectives, which means that, in reality, they remain a popular accessory in the world of fitness and fashion.
But how accurate and/or beneficial are they for weight loss?
9 Must-Knows About Fajas and Weight Loss
Let’s break down the facts today by focusing on the 9 most important things you have to know regarding the effects fajas have on body shaping and weight loss, to help you decide if they’re something that you want to try out, and give you tips along the way on choosing the right one for you.
1- Wearing a faja may help to temporarily reduce the appearance of your waistline, but this effect is, once again, temporary.
Wearing fajas can provide temporary results in terms of shaping and contouring your body. When you put on a faja, you may notice that your waistline appears slimmer and more defined, and that your body looks smoother and more streamlined.
This is because the compression of the faja helps to redistribute your body fat and pull in your stomach, hips, and other areas.
However, it’s important to note that the results of using fajas are temporary and may vary from person to person. The amount of compression and shaping that a faja can provide depends on factors such as the style and size of the garment, as well as the individual’s body shape and size.
Moreover, the effects of a faja may be less noticeable or may disappear altogether once the garment is removed.
Therefore, it’s important not to think of fajas as a permanent solution for shaping your body.
2- If it’s gone here, it must be somewhere
I’m talking about the fat around your waistline.
The way fajas help make your waist look better is not through some sort of magic, but rather through physics. It’s pushing the fat away. So that means that fat is probably going to be found somewhere else.
Maybe around your armpits, near your chest, or even down in your thighs, depending on the shape of the faja, where it begins and where it ends.
Depending on the situation and what you are wearing on top of the faja, you might not even like the “temporary” end result.
So even if you choose to try it out, choose what goes well with the outfit you’ll be wearing with it.
3- Fajas are not a magic solution for weight loss.
Fajas are designed to help shape and contour your body by compressing your midsection and other areas. While they can give the appearance of a slimmer figure, they are not a magic solution for weight loss.
To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume. In my opinion, as a physician, this is best achieved through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
While wearing a faja may help to temporarily reduce the appearance of your waistline, it does not directly cause weight loss.
4- It might help you during your exercise
The compression of the faja can help to stabilize your core and improve your posture, which can in turn improve your form and reduce the risk of strain or injury to your back, hips, and other areas, as reported by women who tried it.
Additionally, wearing a faja during exercise can help to increase perspiration and stimulate blood flow. This can help to increase the intensity of your workout and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
I could not find any study of this, but some claim that the compression of the faja might also help to improve circulation and reduce swelling and soreness in your muscles.
5- It might also hurt you when exercising
If you think about it for a moment, one of the main risks of wearing a faja during exercise is that it can restrict your breathing and make it difficult to breathe properly. This can be especially dangerous during high-intensity workouts, where you need to take in more oxygen to keep your muscles working efficiently.
I haven’t spoken with too many women who use theese during their exercise, but two have reported to have gone through these issues while in the gym.
Another potential risk of wearing a faja during exercise is that it can increase your body temperature and lead to overheating. This can be especially problematic during hot and humid weather or in environments where the temperature is already elevated, such as a hot yoga class.
Finally, wearing a faja that is too tight or that restricts your movement can increase your risk of injury by placing excess strain on your muscles and joints. This can be especially dangerous during exercises that require a lot of flexibility or range of motion, such as yoga or Pilates.
The last risk is theotrical, and I have not seen it yet in real life. On paper, though, it makes complete sense and should be looked into whenever you’re contemplating wearing fajas to the gym.
6- Fajas can’t reduce the amount of body fat in your body, but it can reduce bloating and water retention.
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing excess fluid and waste from the body’s tissues, but it can become sluggish or inefficient sometimes, as I have seen in some patients.
When you wear a faja, the compression can help to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the removal of excess fluid and waste from your body. This can help to reduce bloating and swelling in the abdomen, hips, and other areas.
39.2% of women I polled, who have tried fajas, reported to having seen improvements and reductions in their water retention.
Additionally, wearing a faja can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body. This can further support the lymphatic system and help to reduce water retention and bloating.
7- Fajas can get uncomfortable and restrict your movement and breathing.
When a faja is too tight or doesn’t fit properly, it can compress the muscles and restrict movement. This, in turn, as reported by many women, can cause discomfort or pain in the muscles and joints.
Additionally, if the faja is too restrictive, it can limit the range of motion in the joints and reduce flexibility, making it difficult to perform exercises properly.
Similarly, if a faja is too tight around the chest or abdominal area, it can restrict breathing and make it difficult to breathe properly, especially when worn for longer periods of time.
8- Fajas can be helpful for some people after surgery (which is arguably the most useful use for them)
The first way fajas can help here is something we have already discussed today, which is by reducing swelling and inflammation in the surgical area by applying gentle pressure to the tissues.
This can help to improve circulation and encourage the removal of excess fluid and waste from the body, which can speed up the healing process.
Additionally, wearing a faja after surgery can provide support to the muscles and tissues in the surgical area. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort, and can also help to prevent the development of scar tissue.
By providing gentle compression to the tissues, a faja can also help to prevent the accumulation of fluid and blood in the surgical area, which can reduce the risk of complications such as infection.
Finally, wearing a faja after surgery can provide a sense of comfort and security, particularly if the surgical area is sensitive or painful. By providing support and compression to the tissues, a faja can help to alleviate discomfort and provide a sense of stability, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Although many patients (men and women) have reported positive effects of using fajas after surgery regarding the aforementioned benefits, the decision of using one after surgery in addition to the shape, size, and type should be based on the recommendations of your healthcare provider, as it will depend on the type of procedure performed and the specific needs of the patient.
9- Fajas can help give you a boost of confidence in social settings.
Even though it’s not a weight loss tool, and I am not a big fan of it because of the way I see so many women misuse it, I have to admit that when you choose the right size for you, not wear it for long periods of time… etc. it can be a helpful accessory if you are working to lose weight by providing a temporary boost in confidence and body image.
When used correctly can help to smooth out any bumps or bulges and give you a more contoured look.
When you put on a faja, you might notice that your waistline looks smaller and more defined. This is because the compression helps to pull in your stomach and create a more hourglass shape. Fajas can also help to lift and shape your buttocks, thighs, and other areas, depending on the style you choose.
Overall, wearing a faja can give you a boost of confidence and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your clothes. They can be especially helpful if you’re wearing a form-fitting outfit or a special occasion dress, and want to look your best.
So you can enjoy the effects they might have on your body, but don’t overdo it and don’t expect these effects to last after taking it off.