Are Sweat Belts Good for Back Support?

The manufacturer's of sweat belts claim that the products increase belly fat loss -- a claim that isn't substantiated. Since sweat belts closely resemble supportive back belts, you may wonder if they will provide back support. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health both warn against the use of all forms of abdominal belts since they offer little to no back support.

  1. Abdominal Belts

    • Sweat belts are a type of abdominal belts. It is important to understand that even though sweat belts are primarily intended to increase abdominal fat loss, they are no different from industrial back belts or weight lifting belts in terms of providing back support. Abdominal belts as a whole do not provide back support, and you should strongly consider the evidence against them before using them during exercise or at work.

    Conflicting Theories of Back Support

    • Traditional theory states that an abdominal belt works like corsets: the tighter you make it, the more you will increase pressure in your abdomen; and as the pressure in your abdomen increases, overall stress on your spine decreases. The traditional view held that as you tighten the belt it will also keep you from bending forward and to the side, which can help to keep your spine out of compromising positions.

      More recent research shows that these theories are not entirely correct. A study in the journal "Spine" shows that increased abdominal pressure may increase overall stress on the low back. Another study published in "Spine" states that abdominal belts do not limit motion enough to help prevent back injury.

    Do They Really Help?

    • There is no conclusive evidence showing that sweat belts, or for that matter any abdominal belt, are good for back support. The CDC states that abdominal belts do not provide adequate support for the back. In fact, they may put people at risk for injury due to a false sense of confidence. Research in the journal "Ergonomics" clearly shows that abdominal belts do not provide significant support to the back during activity. Finally, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety definitively states that abdominal belts do not protect the back from excess strain, and that the belts may also contribute to back injury by limiting the mobility of the spine.

    The Bottom Line

    • There is no evidence that abdominal belts give adequate support or prevent injury. If you have discomfort or pain in your back during exercise, pay a visit to your doctor or a physical therapist. Both of these professionals can recommend effective methods to reduce pain, strengthen your core and improve posture -- all of which are important for a strong and healthy back.