WTF Is Waist Training and Why Are Celebrities Obsessed?

kim kardashian

[Photo: @kimkardashian]

Khloe Kardashian

[Photo: @khloekardashian]

khloe kardashian

[Photo: @khloekardashian]

snooki

[Photo: @snookinic]

tiny

[Photo: @majorgirl]

blac chyna

[Photo: @blacchyna]

In the world of celebrity, the question is often: What's the most insane thing we can think of that will help us perfect our bodies? The latest weight loss idea to consume women of Hollywood is "waist training," which, for the uninitiated, is basically like wearing a medieval corset.

Everyone from Kim and Khloe Kardashian to Snooki and Tiny are wearing the waist-cinching belts designed to make their bodies like Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Yes, like unrealistic cartoon characters, because obviously that's the preferred body shape.

We can understand if you're curious. When we first heard of this "miracle" belt, we were intrigued, too. With so many high profile celebrities endorsing the method, we're feeling like maybe we're missing out on something. So here we are: Trying to find out everything we can about "waist training," to determine whether it's worth it for mere mortals, or if it's just another means of painful body torture for women.

What is waist training?

Waist training is exactly what it sounds like — it's training you waist to look slimmer.

How does waist training work? 

Waist training involves wearing a belt (made from thick latex and cotton lining) around your waist that looks just like an old-fashioned corset — you know, the kinds that used to break women's ribs, crush their internal organs, and make them faint all the time. The belt works by putting pressure on the waist in order to change its shape over time. You can also wear the belt while working out in order to "speed up" the weight loss process and "strengthen your core."

What are the benefits?

Waist training advocates claim that with waist training you can lose up to seven inches from your waist line, which sounds more terrifying than anything else. The waist training belt is supposed to put pressure on your waist — which generates heat while you're physically active to help your body burn fat quicker — and expel toxins. It also doubles as a breast lift, pushing your boobies up to put them in "the right place."

Who does it?

All the sanest, most serious celebrities, including: Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Snooki, Tiny, and Blac Chyna. Jessica Alba has also admitted to wearing corsets to lose weight post-baby.

Does it hurt?

Having never done it ourselves, we can't be 100 percent sure. But from all the descriptions of how the belt is designed to squeeze your body into submission, yes it does hurt. Beauty is pain.

What are the risks?

Doctors say there's no proof that the waist training corset will permanently alter your body's shape. In fact, they say your body will return to its natural shape as soon as you take it off. There are also the obvious risks: discomfort, rib and organ damage. Damage to your metabolism can be caused by the belt cutting of oxygen flow to organs within your body, which sounds absolutely terrifying. If you look at it from a medical perspective, the risks far outweigh any aesthetic benefits — especially when doctors are telling us the corsets will make it harder to breathe, which can cause rib breakages and small lung collapses. We'd like very much to continue breathing, thanks. There are even small annoyances related to waist training, like skin chafing, which we'd like to avoid whenever possible.

Will it make me look like Kim Kardashian?

Absolutely not. Unless, of course, you dedicated your every waking moment to your looks, the way Kim K. does.

Where can I get it?

If you're interested, the Kardashian's endorse waist training belts by Waist Gang Society (on Instagram at @premadonna87). Check out one of the looks below.

[caption id="attachment_445844" align="aligncenter" width="610"] [Photo: @premadonna87][/caption]