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You have probably seen plenty of advertisements extolling how
Electronic Abdominal Stimulators can melt your belly fat fast
and quickly. Most of these advertisements will also claim that
their electronic abs stimulators can also flatten your tummy to
reveal your six pack abs muscle. They even claim that by using
electronic abs stimulators for X minutes is better that 300 sit
ups or crunches, so you can say bye bye to diets and exercise
forever. Too good to be true?
On the other hand, you may also have come across many articles
and messages from the health and fitness industry or from your
fitness personal trainers who refute the advertisers claiming
that the only way to get a flat tummy with well defined six pack
abs muscle is through healthy eating and exercise. Now that is
hard work isn't it? So you will rather take a chance with an
electronic abs stimulator won't you?
So who is telling the truth? Ok, instead of joining in the
controversy, this article points out what the authorities such
as U.S. Food and Drug Administration has got to say. Below is an
excerpt from U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Consumer
magazine July-August 2002. You can read the full report at http://ww
w.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/402_abs.html :-
"In May, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed complaints
against three manufacturers of these devices, alleging that they
have made false claims in their advertising, seen in heavily
aired infomercials on national cable television, shorter
television commercials, and ads in the print media.
The unfounded claims cited by the FTC include the promise of
"six pack" or "washboard" abs without exercise, claims that the
devices will give users a trimmer waist or cause fat loss, and
that use of the device is equivalent to (or better than) regular
abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or crunches. The FTC
complaints also allege that the advertising claimed falsely that
the stimulators are safe for all to use, and did not disclose
adequately the possible health hazards for some people.
Q. Why does the FDA regulate electrical muscle stimulators?
A. Electrical muscle stimulators are considered medical devices
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under this law
and the agency's regulations, the FDA is responsible for
regulating the sale of all electrical muscle stimulators in the
United States. Therefore, firms must comply with appropriate FDA
premarket regulatory requirements before they can legally sell
their stimulators. Most electrical muscle stimulators (EMS
devices) that have been reviewed by the FDA are intended for use
in physical therapy and rehabilitation under the direction of a
health-care professional. If a company wants to sell EMS devices
directly to consumers, the company needs to show the FDA that
the device can be used safely and effectively in that setting.
Q. These electrical muscle stimulators are advertised not only
to tone, firm, and strengthen abdominal muscles, but also to
provide weight loss, girth reduction, and "rock hard" abs. Do
they really work?
A. While an EMS device may be able to temporarily strengthen,
tone or firm a muscle, no EMS devices have been cleared at this
time for weight loss, girth reduction, or for obtaining "rock
hard" abs.
Q. Is the FDA concerned about the unregulated marketing of these
devices?
A. Yes. The FDA has received reports of shocks, burns, bruising,
skin irritation, and pain associated with the use of some of
these devices. There have been a few recent reports of
interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and
defibrillators. Some injuries required hospital treatment. The
FDA is also concerned because many of these devices have cables
and leads. If those cables and leads do not comply with
electrical safety standards, there is the possibility that users
and other household members could be electrocuted. The FDA is
currently investigating firms that are illegally marketing EMS
devices.
Q. What does FDA regulation accomplish?
A. Before they may legally sell their devices, firms that market
EMS devices must be able to demonstrate that these products are
as safe and as effective as similar devices that are legally
marketed. Devices may be marketed only for uses that are
established for the device or for uses that the firm can support
with data. At this time, the FDA is not aware of scientific
information to support many of the promotional claims being made
for numerous devices being widely promoted on television,
infomercials, newspapers, and magazines.
Q. Does that mean that it's unsafe to use an electrical muscle
stimulator that has not met FDA requirements?
A. Using a product that has not met FDA requirements isn't
necessarily unsafe or dangerous. But it could be. Unregulated
devices also may have safety problems associated with cables and
leads that can lead to accidental shock and electrocution of
users and other household members, including children.
Q. If I use an electrical muscle stimulator, will it give me the
same kind of effect that lots of sit-ups, stomach crunches and
other abdominal exercises will?
A. Using these devices alone will not give you "six-pack" abs.
Applying electrical current to muscles may cause them to
contract. Stimulating muscles repeatedly with electricity may
eventually result in muscles that are strengthened and toned to
some extent but will not, based on currently available data,
create a major change in your appearance without the addition of
weight loss and regular exercise."
Now, who is telling the truth about electronic muscle stimulator
being able to melt tummy fat and reveal your six pack abs? Well,
you be the judge and come to your own verdict.
About the author:
Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of models, actors and
male pageant winners. More fitness tips at his sites Transform your body in 12
weeks Personal
trainers and online certification
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