People try many things to lose fat quickly. Recently, one of my clients asked me about wraps (specifically ginger wraps) and whether they can help you burn fat.
I was always skeptical about these wraps, which certainly includes ginger wraps, but I spent a week researching available sources on the topic and discussing them with a dietician to get a definitive answer.
So, in this article, we’re going to look at how to make a ginger wrap and whether it can help you lose fat.
Let’s begin.
Quick Summary
- Ginger wraps are easy to make and could potentially help you lose some weight.
- While a ginger wrap may support weight loss, much of that is a result of excess water.
- Consuming ginger may affect fat loss more than a ginger wrap.
Can a Ginger Wrap Help You Lose Weight?
Yes, a ginger wrap can help you lose weight.
However, they don’t burn belly fat overnight, nor are they extremely effective in burning overall body fat.
Your best bet to lose belly fat in the abdominal area is cardio, weight training, and calorie deficit diet plans.
In extreme cases, surgical and non-surgical medical interventions can be used to address the affected area, but only as a last resort.
In terms of scientific literature, there are some studies showing that eating ginger root or other edible forms of ginger may play a role in fat loss; however, there aren’t any showing wraps have a similar effect [1] [2].
That doesn’t mean they won’t help you to lose some weight, but you should keep in mind that almost none of it is fat loss.
Some of my clients who used a ginger wrap reported that they experienced some weight loss but soon after realized that it was mainly from losing excess water. That’s because any body wrap makes you sweat. Once you rehydrate, your body regains the lost pounds right away.
“[Wraps] won’t give you long-term weight loss. They can temporarily make you feel a little thinner, and when you look at the scale the pounds can go down a pound or two. But that’s water weight loss. It’s a temporary phenomenon.”
- Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Dermatologist
Although they might not be effective for weight loss, people still use ginger wraps for other reasons, such as potential anti-aging properties [3]. Ginger has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it might make your skin smoother and more elastic.
How To Make and Use It
To make a ginger wrap, you'll need the following ingredients:
- A tablespoon of freshly grated ginger (or ginger powder)
- 4–5 tablespoons of body lotion
- Plastic wrap
- A towel
- An elastic bandage
- Hot or warm water
Here’s how you prepare the items and apply the ginger compress mixture.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
Before applying the ginger compress mixture, you need to prepare your skin.
Soak the towel in hot water. Make sure you can endure the towel’s temperature without discomfort.
Place the towel around your belly for around 5 minutes if you are targeting the abdominal region. This will open up your pores and ensure better absorption of the ginger.
Step 2: Prepare the Ginger Compress Mixture
While the towel works on your skin, you can prepare the mixture for the wrap.
Mix one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger with 4–5 tablespoons of body lotion. Depending on your waist size and body fat levels, you might need to add more of both.
Step 3: Apply the Mixture
Once you’ve prepared enough mixture, remove the towel, and apply it to the target area.
Step 4: Plastic-Wrap the Area
Cover the entire region with plastic wrap.
If you've only applied the ginger mixture to your belly, you may only cover that region and secure the plastic wrap with the elastic bandage.
Just ensure the elastic band isn’t so tight that it’ll affect blood circulation.
Step 5: Let the Wrap Do Its Job
Leave the wrap overnight or for at least 2 hours.
You may see results the next day. However, if you wish to see significant results, make this a part of your daily skincare routine.
For skincare purposes, we recommend preparing the wrap at night, leaving the elastic band a bit looser, and taking everything off in the morning.
Related Articles:
Consuming Ginger For Fat Loss
While wraps don’t burn belly fat overnight, eating ginger root might help you accelerate fat loss.
A 2018 review found that ginger could modulate obesity in several crucial ways [4].
The most important mechanisms are:
- Increasing thermogenesis
- Increasing lipolysis
- Suppressing lipogenesis
- Inhibiting intestinal fat absorption and
- Controlling appetite
In my experience with helping people achieve their fitness goals, there’s no such thing as a simple trick in the weight loss process.
I’ve found the most effective ways to burn fat are these:
- Drink plenty of water to lose weight
- Exercise every day
- Get plenty of sleep
- Use natural fat burners
FAQs
Is Ginger Wrap Good For Your Skin?
Yes, the ginger wrap may be good for your skin. It can make your skin look elastic, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Can Eating Ginger Help Burn Stubborn Belly Fat?
Yes, eating ginger may help you burn stubborn belly fat. While it won’t directly target fat in your belly, ginger can help you lose overall body fat.
What Happens If I Leave a Ginger Wrap On For Too Long?
If you leave a ginger wrap on for too long, it might start to mold depending on your environment or cause dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water before using a wrap and leave them on for no more than 8 hours.
Who Shouldn't Use Ginger Wraps?
Individuals with preexisting health conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, and sensitive skin should not use ginger wraps. Additionally, pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before any body wrap treatment.
Should You Use Ginger Wraps?
At the end of the day, a ginger wrap may help your skin, but it won’t burn fat.
So, if you’re looking for something easier than a wrap, but that’s actually effective, I highly recommend taking natural fat burners:
Along with our clients, we tested these products out and found some of them to be remarkably effective in speeding up the weight loss process by burning stored fat, increasing metabolism, and boosting energy levels.
They won’t help you lose fat overnight, but they will help you burn fat safely in the long run.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28595182/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29393665/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110206/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29193411/
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