How To Choose Your Shapewear Wisely

Do you still want to look slim and trim, despite the potential risks? It might help to think of shapewear as high heels — they help you be dazzling for that night out, but you know you have to use them in moderation if you want your body to be happy.

Dr Tariq agrees. "There is no harm in wearing shapewear occasionally, like for social gatherings and formal dinners, where there is a need to dazzle and impress. However, certain things should be kept in mind before deciding to wear a shaper of any type." What are those things?

Make Sure It's The Right Size

"Make sure that the shapewear is the right size," Dr Tariq says. "Opt for a sleek and comfortable choice that fulfills its purpose without your organs having to suffer the consequences. Understand your body type and pick a shaper that will appropriately enhance or conceal the part of your body you want to modify. Always remember that this is a timely alteration; do not rely on it to fulfill your expectations of achieving the ideal figure. It should also be kept in mind that people suffering from abdominal disorders, such as acid peptic disease or GERD, should not use shapewear at all."

What's more, not all shapewear will actually help you achieve the effect you are after — what good will your shaping body wear do you if it gives you bulges in different places? Don't forget to sit down while wearing your shapewear too. Some shapewear rides up, making your abdomen pop out. That's obviously not the effect you are hoping to achieve. By sitting down, you can check that the tightening panel is where you want it to be, rather than in a place where it will actually make you look fatter. 

Anyone who has ever worn shapewear knows that the pieces that achieve the best results don't keep on feeling good after you've been wearing them for a long time. Do take your shapewear off before you go to sleep, and don't wear it every day. By using your shapewear only occasionally, you give your body a break and decrease the risk of side effects. The more a piece of shapewear squeezes you, the less you should be wearing it. As soon as your shapewear makes you feel bad, take it off.

Are You Unhappy With Your Weight?

Do you feel you need to rely on shapewear to maintain a look you are happy with on a daily basis, rather than using Spanx to make the most out of special events? Perhaps it is time to consider more permanent solutions. Remember that exercise and a healthy, balanced diet benefit everyone. There's nothing quite like knowing that you're happy with your body when you take the shapewear off. 

Dr Tariq has some advice: "Wearing a shaper may temporarily uplift a woman’s self-esteem when she looks in the mirror, but once it is off, she goes back to her original figure. Appropriate ways for achieving an ideal weight and body are dietary modifications and regular exercise; look slim without the pain."

See Also: How To Lose Weight Without Even Trying

"Losing weight involves 50 percent diet control, 30 percent exercise, and 20 percent peace of mind," doctor Tariq believes. "Not only do they have positive long-term physiological benefits, healthy and controlled eating helps deal with many psychological disorders as well. Walking or running for 30-40 minutes four days a week is very effective when accompanied with a diet-plan. Cut down on excessive carbs, trans-fats and sugary beverages, and opt for any exercise regime you are comfortable with. Remember: patience and perseverance are the keys. Personally, I do not recommend the use of shapewear under any circumstances. I do not appreciate patients who rely on shapewear for losing weight. I always encourage them to change their lifestyle and lose weight naturally."