PJ Kirby: A week in my wardrobe
PJ Kirby: A week in my wardrobe

PJ Kirby

City Hotel Derry review: Panoramic views, service with a smile and the city’s only rooftop bar
City Hotel Derry review: Panoramic views, service with a smile and the city’s only rooftop...

Sarah Finnan

The spring-ready trench coats to see you through to summer
The spring-ready trench coats to see you through to summer

Sarah Finnan

Real Weddings: Anna and Michael’s DIY wedding in Cork
Real Weddings: Anna and Michael’s DIY wedding in Cork

Shayna Sappington

Irish Design Spotlight: Sarahden Designs
Irish Design Spotlight: Sarahden Designs

Sarah O’Rourke

Nikki Bradley on the highs and lows of her biggest challenge yet: amputation
Nikki Bradley on the highs and lows of her biggest challenge yet: amputation

Amy Lynch

What to bake this weekend: Delicious, zesty blueberry granola bars
What to bake this weekend: Delicious, zesty blueberry granola bars

Meg Walker

16 pairs of stunningly stylish pyjama sets that you’ll want to wear all day long
16 pairs of stunningly stylish pyjama sets that you’ll want to wear all day long

Sarah Gill

Sous Chef at Dubh Cafe & Restaurant Laura Farrell on her affinity with all things foodie
Sous Chef at Dubh Cafe & Restaurant Laura Farrell on her affinity with all things...

Sarah Gill

Six IMAGE staffers on their go-to self-care rituals
Six IMAGE staffers on their go-to self-care rituals

Sarah Gill

Image / Editorial

Ditch The Shapewear For Your Health


By Jeanne Sutton
25th Apr 2015
Ditch The Shapewear For Your Health

Shapewear might be dangerous, so maybe put those Spanx back in the drawer. And swear off bodycon dresses that make you feel like you’re wearing cling film. Warning bells started ringing this week after medical experts came out from their labs to say that squashing our organs together with shapewear or tight gym wear might not be 100% healthy. Huh.

Wearing very tight fitting clothes for long periods of time is associated with health risks, according to a report in the LA Times. Such shapewear can trigger a scary sounding condition called meralgia paresthetica, which causes tingling and burning in the thighs. It’s caused by too much pressure on the nerves in the groin area. Are you crossing your legs with fear? Are we let cross our legs anymore?

The LA Times talks to experts who have encountered women who had this condition triggered by wearing figure sculpting clothes. It turns out that pressure on the abdominal area means internal organs are squeezed, ?which can push acid from the stomach into the esophagus.? The habit can also exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome and urinary incontinence. Also, the LA Times looks into how not going to the bathroom regularly because of the inconvenience of shedding shapewear may give you UTIs. No one ever wants UTIs.

Let’s all set up a second Garden of Eden where us ladies just all hang out together, and let it all hang out.

Follow Jeanne Sutton on Twitter @jeannedesutun

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