Can Wearing a Weighted Vest Help You Keep the Weight Off?
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Losing weight is hard—but keeping it off can be even harder. Many people who successfully shed pounds end up regaining them within a year or two. This is especially true for older adults who may also face joint issues like osteoarthritis.
Why does this happen? One big reason is that our bodies adjust to weight loss by slowing down how many calories we burn at rest (called resting metabolic rate, or RMR). This means you burn fewer calories just sitting or sleeping, which makes it easier to regain weight—even if you're eating the same or less.
A New Idea: Add Weight as You Lose It?
A group of researchers wondered: What if we could trick the body into thinking it's heavier—by adding weight externally as we lose fat?
That’s the idea behind using a weighted vest. The vest mimics the body’s original weight during weight loss, possibly helping the body avoid slowing down its metabolism.
This idea is based on something called the “gravitostat” theory. It suggests that bones in our legs sense body weight and send signals to the brain to regulate appetite and body fat. More weight (even added externally) might help the brain think the body still needs to burn more energy.
The Study: What They Did
The researchers tested this theory in a small study involving 18 older adults, average age 70, all with obesity and arthritis.
They were split into two groups:
- One group followed a calorie-controlled diet and wore a weighted vest for about 6.6 hours a day.
- The other group followed the same diet, but without the vest.
Everyone did this for 6 months. Then, after the study ended, they were left on their own for 18 more months—making it a total of 2 years of follow-up.
The Results: What They Found
Both groups lost about 10–11 kg (22–24 lbs) during the 6-month weight loss phase. But here’s the twist:
- The group without the vest gained all their weight back over the next 18 months.
- The weighted vest group only regained about half of what they had lost.
Even more interesting: the group that wore the vest didn’t experience the same drop in metabolism that usually comes with weight loss. This may explain why they were better at maintaining their results.
What This Means for You
While this was a small study, it offers a promising new tool for people trying to keep weight off—especially older adults who may not be able to exercise intensely.
Wearing a weighted vest could:
- Help preserve metabolism during weight loss
- Reduce the risk of regaining weight
- Be a low-impact alternative for those with joint problems
Should You Try It?
Before you strap on a vest, keep in mind:
- This study was small and focused on older adults with obesity and arthritis.
- Vests must be worn properly—too much weight or incorrect usage could cause injury.
- Talk to a doctor or physical therapist before starting, especially if you have back, knee, or balance issues.
If cleared to try it, start slowly with light weight and gradually increase as you get used to it. Choose a vest that distributes weight evenly and allows full range of motion.
Final Thoughts
This pilot study suggests that something as simple as a weighted vest could help you keep off the pounds you worked hard to lose. While more research is needed, it opens the door to new, practical ways of supporting long-term weight loss—without extreme diets or punishing workouts.