Can a magnetic ring help you lose weight? Here’s what doctors say

Hyderabad: A magnetic ring that reportedly helps in weight loss has gone viral on social media.

Who doesn’t want to lose weight overnight? Losing weight is definitely a task that needs dedication and patience. But when you see something too good to be true, believe me, it really is.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

According to livestrong.com, “There’s no evidence to support the use of magnetic therapy for weight loss.”

It further said, “In an August 2019 study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, researchers found that non-invasive electromagnetic brain stimulation, combined with increased exercise and reduced calorie intake, can help people with overweight lose weight. This may have made people think magnets might enhance their weight-loss journey, but electromagnetic brain stimulation is not the same as wearing magnetic jewelry.”

NewsMeter contacted our expert Dr. Fawad Ali (General Medicine) and a diabetic specialist from John Hopkins University, USA and found that magnetic rings are a market gimmick.

He said, “There is no medical research so far stating that magnets of any kind can make you lose weight. According to a theory proposed in the 1970s by a scholar named Albert Roy, magnetic energy can help ease pain, especially arthritic pain, and in a few people, it can help kill malignant cells. However, losing weight through magnetic energy is a myth and cannot be justified through any research study.”

Dr. Ali further said, “If anyone could lose weight through magnetic energy, then bariatric surgeries could never be the choice or option for obesity. Magnetic rings are not an option to lose weight. There are pretty well-written research papers about intermittent fasting, yoga, and walking which can easily help lose weight.”

He said controlling diet, avoiding heavy food after 8 p.m., and sleeping at least six hours a day is mandatory to stay healthy and fit these days. Staying fit, Dr. Ali explained, will have the following benefits:

· Improved heart health.

· Decreased risk of being diabetic.

· Better blood circulation with maintained blood pressure.

· Increased sex drive and prevention of erectile dysfunction.

· Minimising risk of cancer (11% of cancer in women is due to excess body fat & 5% is usually in men).