Fast fat loss: myths or methods?

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Summer is coming and so are the latest weight loss treatments, promising to help you lose fat fast. We put a few of them to the test.

Robyn Armstrong from Your Sanctuary Day Spa is offering her clients what is called the Universal Contour Body Wrap - guaranteed to suck you in.

"This is the clay that will allow you to lose a dress size in two weeks," explained Robyn.

"The difference with this wrap is that it reshapes and re-contours the body. It goes back to the ancient times of Cleopatra."

For $195, they wrap you up like a mummy, dress you in a raincoat and gumboots and then, while the others are pumping iron at the gym, you sit back and relax, your body shrinking by the second.

"Then, when we take it off, we re-measure you and you see the results," explained Robyn. "The results are instant."

We asked Jessica Leigh to try three body wraps over a few weeks. Her aim was to fit into her goal dress, a size 12.

After the body wraps, it was time to see how Jessica measured up.

"You got an amazing result," Robyn said. "All up, in three wraps over two weeks, you've lost 80cm."

Jessica also surprised herself and lost 3kg in two weeks.

"I don't think there was anything I did differently during the whole three-week process," she said.

The size 14 was definitely looser, but she did not quite make the size 12 dress. But Jessica was still impressed.

"I definitely think there must be something in the wrap after losing three kilos," Jessica said.

It could be mistaken for R2D2 from Star Wars, but the gizmo operated by Wendy Gilbert-Grey from the Body Mechanic Clinic is called "New Life". It's claimed the device activates specific muscle groups while you lie down.

Renee Lee-Moller wanted to test the New Life out on her post-baby tummy. She underwent five treatments over two weeks. One hour on the machine cost $150 and was said to be the same as doing 12,000 sit-ups.

Five treatments down the track, Wendy told Renee she had lost 6cm.

"My waistline now has definition," Renee said.

"I have lost pretty much all my excess baby tummy. It's the quickest I've ever lost weight."

Weight Loss Expert Matt O'Neill is sceptical about quick fix weight loss methods.

But neither the Body Wrap or the New Life machine promise you will actually lose weight. Instead, they say you will lose "centimetres".
He wants tougher standards for these products.

Champion jockey Darren Beadman loses weight for a living. He says the quick methods can help, but there's no substitute for hard work.

"This is really a quick fix, but it helps me maintain my weight levels," Darren said.

"You've got to work at it, you just can't eat fatty foods, not exercise, not go through these extremes to lose weight - you're having yourself on."

Matt O'Neill agreed real weight loss took commitment.

"Over two weeks, it's got to be diet or exercise, it's not the wrap," he said of Jessica's weight loss.

"So spend your money on some diet and exercise programs, not simply some mud and bandages."

The advice remains consistent: if you want or need to lose weight, discuss it with a health care professional such as a dietician or your GP.

Contact details for products mentioned:
Your Sanctuary Day Spa - Contour Body Wrap Treatment
Tel: (02) 9360 5000
Website: www.yoursanctuary.com.au

Body Mechanic - The New Life Body Toning Treatment
Tel: (02) 9362 8399
Website: www.bodymechanique.com.au

Matt O'Neil - Weigh loss Expert
Website: www.smartshape.com.au/a/518.html