Applying ginger oil to belly will not reduce fat; viral claims are false
A video claiming that the use of ginger oil on belly button would reduce fat and helps in weight loss is being widely shared on social media.
By Sunanda Naik Published on 9 Aug 2022 8:30 AM GMT
A video claiming that the use of ginger oil on belly button would reduce fat and helps in weight loss is being widely shared on social media.
The video claims that applying or rubbing ginger oil on the belly with melt away excess fat in just 30 days.
Newsmeter also found several similar advertisements and videos on the same.
The video can be seen here and here.
FACT CHECK
NewsMeter performed a keyword search on Google to find studies and research regarding the same. We found no evidence of ginger oil being applied to the belly as a fat loss technique.
Rather we found a study that proves the intake of ginger water to be useful in some way to lose weight. Ginger has demonstrated potential as an ingredient to help you lose weight. When you take ginger along with another antioxidant, blood-sugar stabilizing, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, you're giving yourself a head start on moving the scale toward a healthier weight. But ginger alone won't lead to a significant drop in excess weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still vital to overall weight loss.
https://www.healthline.com/
NewsMeter further did a keyword search on Google Scholar and found a study done on rats that prove that 'Ginger Water Reduces Body Weight Gain and Improves Energy Expenditure in Rats'.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
NewsMeter contacted experts to conclude.
NutrionistSujatha Stephen RD, Cheifnutritionist, Yashoda Hospitals
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and helps in immunity boosting. It also helps in metabolism improvement so in a way it helps in weight loss but this oil's external application may not be true. It's all marketing strategies I saw any patient who lost weight with such products weight loss always comes with proper diet and lifestyle these instant weight losses are all temporary.
Dr. Jaheerunnisha, Consultant Nutritionist, Renova Hospitals
Adding Ginger to daily use of our cooking process can decrease the inflammation, and stimulates and suppresses appetite. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols & schools. These antioxidant properties help in the control of the free radicals in the body. The topical application of ginger oil cannot help you out in weight loss. Instead taking a piece of ginger in their regular intake of food may help you out with an addition of good physical activity and proper dietary intake. Ginger helps you for being satiety (feeling full for a longer period).
Dr. SpandanaKanaparthi, Consultant General Physician, Renova Hospitals
There is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of this product. Although ginger is known to have anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties it helps to cut down toxic fat from our body. Mere topical application over the belly is unlikely to have a systemic impact, reducing the body weight. Obesity is a serious health issue. Always remember, that it takes a long time to develop an expanded fat mass and weight correction need not occur quickly. Losing belly fat and weight reduction is possible only by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
The claim is false. Applying ginger oil on the belly won't help reduce weight.
Hence, the claim is false.
