A video of a group of women massaging their bellies with a wooden acupuncture roller for fat loss is taking rounds on social media.
https://twitter.com/chiragbarjatyaa/status/1654024734739423233?t=fwXa6gK1wo2vXUJFFzMVnQ&s=08
Healthline says, ‘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.
According to Healthline, “Abdominal massage may provide these additional benefits.”
· Relieve constipation
· Improve digestive system
· Reduce bloating
· Alleviate menstrual pain
‘There isn’t specific research proving the effectiveness of abdominal massage in bringing about many of these benefits, including weight loss’, it adds.
https://www.healthline.com/health/stomach-massage#benefits
We contacted Nutritionist, Sujatha Stephen RD, Cheif Nutritionist, Yashoda Hospitals, with 20+ years of experience in the field to debunk the claim.
She said, ‘Massaging an acupressure tool on your stomach may improve the blood circulation on the stomach muscles but will not help in fat burning. To get flat belly one has to do change in their lifestyle and diet with help in improving the metabolism and also helps in fat burning. Having irregular meals is the main reason for belly fat. Having early dinner and lite dinner and walking morning and post dinner will help in losing fat. So, this external massaging will not show any difference in losing belly fat.’