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Potential risks of wearing shapewear

Posted at 2:54 PM, Dec 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-10 14:54:59-05

From celebrities to the everyday women, shapewear has become a wardrobe staple.   

Dr. Stephen New of Rose Medical Center says depending on how tight you wear them, they could have can have ramifications to your health.  

"If shapewear with its tight compression, I would expect symptoms, especially if it was pushing against the stomach," Dr. New says.

For most women who wear shapewear, it's only for a few hours. Dr. New says those side effects would then be temporary.   

"It could cause acid reflux symptoms and certainly exacerbate gas and bloating-like symptoms, which is uncomfortable as well," the doctor says.

However, if you're someone who makes these apart of your everyday wardrobe, the long-term effects are dangerous.  

"Where is acid reflux in a very, very small number of patients could contribute to inflammation scar tissue inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus," Dr. New explains.

So, if you plan to wear shapewear under your holiday dresses this season, or really any day, Dr. New says to limit the time you’re in them and make sure they aren't digging into you.