Can massaging your belly with this acupressure tool help burn fat?

Hyderabad: A video of a group of women massaging their bellies with a wooden acupressure tool that looks like a rolling pin is doing the rounds on social media. They are reportedly massaging their bellies for weight loss.

Can massaging your belly help lose weight?

According to Healthline, “Abdominal massage, which may sometimes be referred to as stomach massage, is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that may have relaxing and healing effects for some people. It’s used to treat a wide variety of health concerns, especially those related to the stomach, such as digestion issues, constipation, and bloating.”

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

Healthline lists out the benefits of abdominal massage:

· Relieve constipation

· Improve digestive system

· Reduce bloating

· Alleviate menstrual pain

However, it adds, “There isn’t specific research proving the effectiveness of abdominal massage in bringing about many of these benefits, including weight loss.”

We contacted nutritionist Sujatha Stephen RD, chief nutritionist, Yashoda Hospitals, who has over 20 years of experience in the field to debunk the claim.

She said, “Massaging your stomach with an acupressure tool may improve blood circulation in the stomach muscles but it will not help in burning far. To get a flat belly one must change their lifestyle and diet which will help improve metabolism and also burn fat. Having irregular meals is the main reason for belly fat. Having a light and early dinner and walking in the morning and after dinner will help in losing fat. So, this external massaging will not show any difference in losing belly fat.”