Magnetic jewelry, encompassing bracelets, necklaces, rings, and anklets, incorporates magnets and is believed to promote wellness and relieve pain through magnetic therapy. The most popular form of magnetic jewelry is magnetic bracelets, with proponents suggesting that they improve circulation and reduce inflammation and joint pain. As interest in magnetic therapy increases, magnetic jewelry continues to evolve, with options ranging from affordable plastic or stainless steel to higher-quality metals like gold and silver, sometimes adorned with gemstones. This article explores the research on magnetic bracelets, specifically focusing on their purported effects on weight loss.
Understanding Magnetic Therapy
Magnetic therapy posits that health issues like chronic pain, arthritis, and migraines stem from imbalances in the body's magnetic and electric fields. The idea is that placing a magnetic field near the body can restore balance, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Magnetic therapy was first proposed by German physician Franz Mesmer in the 16th century but gained traction in the 20th century when it was used to treat long bone fractures.
It's important to note that magnetic therapy involves magnets stronger than those on your refrigerator. A standard fridge magnet has a strength of roughly 100 gauss, while magnetic therapy jewelry ranges from 300 to 5,000 gauss and beyond. Electromagnetic therapy, another form of magnetic therapy, uses electromagnets to generate a magnetic field when electricity is applied, but this is typically administered professionally.
Purported Benefits of Magnetic Therapy
Although research studies remain inconclusive, some believe that magnetic therapy offers benefits in several areas:
- Pain management: Chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and stiffness, fibromyalgia, sciatica, migraines and headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
- Circulatory and cardiovascular issues: Poor circulation (cold hands and feet), varicose veins, high blood pressure, swelling, and edema.
- Skin and soft tissue conditions: Bruising, wounds, ulcers, bursitis, and skin inflammation.
- Bone and joint health: Osteoporosis, bone fractures (to promote healing), and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neurological conditions: Sleep disorders, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, migraines, and nerve pain.
- Weight loss: Some believe magnetic jewelry can assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger, satiety, and circulation.
- Other conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual pain, post-surgical recovery (to reduce pain and swelling), TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Do Magnetic Bracelets Really Work?
The question remains: Do magnetic bracelets really work, especially for weight loss? Research on magnetic therapy is in its early stages. While tests indicate that magnets affect calcium and potassium ion movement outside the body, there’s no evidence they affect cells inside the body the same way. A British study found that neither copper nor magnetic bracelets provided pain relief compared to non-metallic bracelets. The Arthritis Foundation has stated that studies show magnetic and copper bracelets do not help arthritis pain or stiffness. Some believe reported benefits stem from the placebo effect or unrelated improvements.
Read also: Do Magnetic Bracelets Aid Weight Loss? We Investigate.
Magnetic Jewelry and Weight Loss: What Does the Science Say?
Claims that magnetic jewelry assists in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger, satiety, and circulation are common. However, there is no solid evidence to support the use of magnetic therapy for weight loss. Magnetic rings, bracelets, and earrings are often sold under the pretense that they increase metabolism through the north pole of the magnet. Some also suggest that these items can be used in combination with acupressure.
A 2019 research study found that noninvasive electromagnetic brain stimulation, combined with increased exercise and reduced calorie intake, can help people with overweight lose weight. A more recent review article also concludes that noninvasive brain stimulation techniques may help with weight loss and reducing food cravings. However, electromagnetic brain stimulation is not the same as wearing static magnetic jewelry.
Effective Weight Loss Techniques
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), weight loss can be achieved by a combination of:
- Setting a realistic goal
- Engaging in a reduced-calorie, nutritionally balanced eating plan
- Regular physical activity
- Other behavior changes to help you keep on track with your goals
Adults are generally recommended to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 150 minutes each week, but losing weight may require more activity or cutting calorie intake. Consulting with a doctor to create an individualized weight loss plan is also recommended.
Neodymium Magnets: A Closer Look
Neodymium magnets are a powerful type of magnet that has been the subject of recent research. Neodymium is a chemical element discovered in 1885, with the atomic number 60. These magnets are commonly used in magnetic separators, filters, ionizers, and in the production of on-off buttons and security systems. The health sector also uses neodymium magnets in medical devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices to diagnose and treat chronic pain syndrome, arthritis, wound healing, insomnia, headache, and several other diseases.
Read also: Side Effects: Magnetic Lymphatic Therapy
Studies have examined the effects of neodymium magnets on various conditions. For example, one study investigated the curing effect of neodymium magnets on osteoarthritis symptoms, finding that therapeutic benefits may be attributable to the placebo effect. Another study researched the role of static magnetic fields in carpal tunnel treatment, finding no significant difference in median nerve conduction among groups using neodymium magnets and non-magnetic disks.
Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid Magnetic Jewelry
Generally, magnetics and magnet therapy are safe for most people. However, some side effects may occur, and certain individuals should avoid them altogether. Wearing magnetic jewelry can cause skin irritation, especially for those with metal allergies, and may interfere with medical devices like pacemakers. Some individuals may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, or discomfort. Additionally, if not used properly, magnetic therapy could worsen certain conditions, such as nerve pain or circulatory issues.
Magnetic jewelry can interfere with the function of medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid magnetic therapy as a precaution, as the effects on fetal development are not well understood. Individuals under the age of 18 and those with blood clotting disorders should also avoid magnetic jewelry and therapies. It is always recommended to seek your doctor's advice before trying any magnetic jewelry.
A Clinical Trial on Static Magnetic Field Therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of static magnetic field (SMF) therapy on symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four DPN patients were divided into two groups: the magnet group, which used magnetic ankle bracelets (155 mT) for 12 weeks, and the sham group, which used non-magnetic ankle bracelets for the same duration.
The study found that after 12 weeks of treatment, the SMF exposure group showed a significant reduction in Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), Neuropathic Disability Score (NDS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, as well as improvements in Neuro-QoL scores, compared to the baseline. While this study suggests potential benefits of SMF therapy for DPN, it is important to note that it focuses on neuropathy symptoms and not weight loss.
Read also: Do Magnetic Ankle Bracelets Work?
Metallic Bracelets: Claims and Reality
Metallic bracelets made of different materials have different uses. For example, gold bracelets are said to improve brain function, while silver bracelets may ward off infections and boost the immune system. The common thing among all these claims is that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove or disprove them.
A British study tested the pain relief effects of four copper bracelets and magnetic bracelets in people with rheumatoid arthritis. After 5 months, the subjects said they felt no extra relief from their arthritis pain when using metallic bracelets than when using a non-metallic wrist strap. There may be no physical health benefits to wearing metallic bracelets, and they may serve as placebos that help adjust your mental state when dealing with pain or illness.
The Placebo Effect
The placebo effect plays a significant role in wellness product perception, particularly for weight management interventions. Wearing a magnetic bracelet may create heightened awareness of health goals, potentially leading to increased attention to dietary choices, greater motivation for physical activity, enhanced mindfulness about health behaviors, and improved adherence to existing wellness routines. These behavioral changes, rather than any direct metabolic effect from the bracelet, may account for any perceived benefits reported by users.