Lose Weight-Tone Abs With Electronic Muscle Stimulator? Can Body Fat

 Lose Weight-Tone Abs With Electronic Muscle Stimulator? Can Body Fat Melt Away

 Lose Weight-Tone Abs With Electronic Muscle Stimulator

How Can I Lose Weight and Tone My Abs Using An Electronic Muscle Stimulator? Is it possible to lose body fat?

You've probably seen a lot of commercials claiming that Electronic Abdominal Stimulators can help you lose belly fat quickly. The majority of these ads will also promise that their electronic abs stimulators can flatten your stomach and reveal your six-pack abs muscle. They also claim that utilizing electronic abdominal stimulators for X minutes is better than doing 300 sit-ups or crunches, implying that diets and exercise are no longer necessary. Is it possible that it's all too wonderful to be true?

On the other side, you may have come across numerous articles and messages from the health and fitness business, as well as from your fitness personal trainers, refuting advertising' claims that the only method to acquire a flat stomach with well-defined six-pack abs muscle is to eat right and exercise. That's a lot of work, isn't it? So you're going to risk it with an electronic abs stimulator, aren't you?

So, who is telling it like it is? Rather than adding to the debate, this page cites what the authorities, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, have to say. The following is an excerpt from the FDA Consumer magazine, published by the US Food and Drug Administration in July-August 2002. The complete report is available at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/402 abs.html:-

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed complaints in May against three manufacturers of these devices, alleging that they made deceptive claims in their advertising, which included highly aired infomercials on national cable television, shorter television advertisements, and print ads.

The FTC cites baseless claims such as the promise of “six-pack” or “washboard” abs without exercise, claims that the devices will offer users a slimmer waist or induce fat loss, and claims that using the gadget is similar to (or better than) doing sit-ups or crunches. The FTC complaints also claim that the advertisements falsely stated that the stimulators were safe for everyone to use and failed to appropriately disclose the potential health risks for some persons.

Q. What is the purpose of the FDA's regulation of electrical muscle stimulators?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act classifies electrical muscle stimulators as medical devices. The FDA is responsible for regulating the sale of all electrical muscle stimulators in the United States under this legislation and its rules. As a result, before they can lawfully sell their stimulators, they must meet with FDA premarket regulatory procedures. The FDA has approved most electrical muscle stimulators (EMS devices) for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If a firm wants to market EMS equipment directly to consumers, it must demonstrate to the FDA that the device can be used in that context safely and effectively.

Q. These electrical muscle stimulators are advertised as providing weight loss, girth reduction, and “rock hard” abs in addition to toning, firming, and strengthening abdominal muscles. Is it true that they work?

A. While an EMS device may temporarily strengthen, tone, or firm a muscle, no EMS devices have been approved for weight loss, girth reduction, or achieving “rock hard” abs at this time.

Q. Is the FDA concerned about the devices' unregulated marketing?

A. Of course. Shocks, burns, bruises, skin irritation, and discomfort have all been reported to the FDA as a result of using some of these devices. There have been a few recent reports of pacemakers and defibrillators interfering with implanted devices. Some injuries necessitated hospitalization. Because many of these devices contain cables and leads, the FDA is concerned. Users and other members of the household risk be electrocuted if the cables and leads do not meet electrical safety regulations. The FDA is presently looking into companies who are unlawfully selling EMS devices.

Q. What is the purpose of FDA regulation?

A. Firms that market EMS devices must be able to demonstrate that their goods are as safe and effective as similarly marketed equipment before they can legally sell them. Devices may only be promoted for purposes that have been established for the device or that the company can substantiate with evidence. Currently, the FDA is unaware of any scientific evidence to back up many of the promotional claims made for a variety of devices that are frequently advertised on television, infomercials, newspapers, and magazines.

Q. Does this suggest that using an electrical muscle stimulator that hasn't been approved by the FDA is risky?

A. Using a product that doesn't meet FDA criteria isn't always risky or unsafe. But it's possible. Unregulated devices may also have safety issues with cables and leads, which can result in unintended shock and electrocution of users and other members of the family, especially children.

Q. Will using an electronic muscle stimulator have the same results as doing a lot of sit-ups, stomach crunches, and other core exercises?

A. These devices by themselves will not offer you "six-pack" abs. Muscles may contract if an electrical current is applied to them. Electrically stimulating muscles repeatedly may result in some muscular strengthening and toning, but it will not, according to currently available research, result in a significant improvement in your appearance without the combination of weight loss and regular exercise.

Who's telling you the truth about electronic muscle stimulators melting belly fat and revealing six-pack abs? So, you be the judge and reach your own conclusion.