Some social media users are claiming the key to weight loss is simple: accessorize with a bracelet.
A Jan. 23 Facebook video showed clips of people wearing what it described as “humanic bracelets.” Dramatic before-and-after footage showed the supposed results of jewelry-caused weight loss.
The post’s caption read, “I have been wearing (a) Humanic bracelet for 4 weeks and this turned my tummy back into its normal state! Absolutely recommended!” It then provided a link where people could learn more and buy the product.
The post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
(Screengrab from Facebook)
We aren’t sure what the word “humanic” means in this context. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines that word as “the subject or study of human nature or human affairs.” That doesn’t seem to have any relevance here.
But we do know this: Many products online promise fast weight loss — and there’s no evidence that jewelry aids in shedding pounds. PolitiFact previously fact-checked a similar claim about what has been promoted as “lymphatic earrings.”
The website linked in the Facebook post says the bracelet uses magnetic “titanium therapy” to improve the body’s lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. It also says the bracelet has weight loss benefits and can “blast away” fat cells.
The lymphatic system consists of organs, vessels and tissues that help keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout the body and protect against infection. The Cleveland Clinic says swollen lymph nodes could signal common infections, such as strep throat, or direr conditions, such as cancer.
Health experts have debunked the efficacy of products, including magnetic lymph bracelets and acupuncture “slimming” earrings, that claim to target the body’s lymphatic system to aid weight loss.
Other fact-checkers have agreed that the bracelets can’t deliver what’s promised. Lead Stories also reported that there was no evidence magnetic jewelry helps people achieve significant weight loss. Experts told Agence France-Presse that scientific research does not support that these bracelets alone aid weight loss; a healthy diet and exercise are still necessary to achieve significant results.
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to avoid products that make misleading promises about weight loss.
“Any promise of miraculous weight loss is simply untrue,” the commission’s website says. “There’s no magic way to lose weight without a sensible diet and regular exercise.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that people who lose weight gradually and steadily, about 1 to 2 pounds per week, are likelier to keep the weight off than people who lose weight quickly.
To keep the body’s lymphatic system healthy, the Cleveland Clinic advises people to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals such as those found in pesticides and cleaning products, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
We rate the claim that wearing a bracelet can aid in weight loss Pants on Fire!