The weight loss belt has enjoyed on-again, off-again popularity in dieting and strength-training circlers for decades. That is because new fads come along and people sometimes abandon old techniques for new products. The weight belt keeps returning because it provides real benefits for a very reasonable price.
Three Major Benefits
There are three major benefits from using one of the many types of weight loss belt options available. 
- They can stimulate the loss of stubborn belly fat around the middle. This area is often difficult to target. These devices help direct metabolic processes to concentrate on burning fat around the middle.
- Back support is why many people choose to wear a belt. Those with back injuries or recovering from surgery often require some back support and these belts provide it comfortably.
- Abdominal muscle development. Strength trainers frequently use a weight loss belt in workouts to enhance their muscular development, especially in carving out the highly prized six-pack of abdominal muscles.
Reasons for Using a Weight Loss Belt
Those are three solid reasons why you may consider buying one of these products. There have been some enhancements since the early leather belts were first used decades in the past. Some brands now are constructed of neoprene, the same material used in wetsuits. They are fitted with electrical contacts and a battery that provides electrical stimulation of the underlying muscles. This added feature may benefit dieters and bodybuilders, but will add no benefit for those who choose the belt for back support.
Common Misconceptions
There are some common misconceptions that many people have been led to believe about the abilities of belts, and they need to be addressed.
A weight loss belt will not allow you to lose weight without dieting or exercise, regardless of claims to the contrary.
It is a scientific fact that you can only lose weight when your body burns more calories for energy than it consumes. This is accomplished by diet, exercise or both. A belt used for losing belly fat will encourage your metabolic systems to access fat around your middle because the area is being stimulated – but only if you are losing weight in the first place.
Check with your doctor
The belts are not safe to use 24-hours a day for all people. The belts with electrical stimulus could pose a danger to those who wear pacemakers or have heart problems. Wearing the belts continuously may be acceptable for those who need back support, but those who wish to build muscle must give muscles time to rebuild. After exercise, muscles are torn down and rebuilt, which is how they grow stronger. If they are never allowed to rest, they cannot enter the rebuilding phase.
For these reasons it is recommended that those who need back support get a fitted belt that does not have an electrical stimulus function. The function may provide benefits for those seeking weight loss or muscle development, but should not be worn continuously because the constant stimulus could pose dangers. Those who seek weight loss must use the weight loss belt in conjunction with a sound nutritional diet and increased physical activity if they wish to derive benefits from belt use.