Are Your Spanx Crushing Your Organs and Making You Sick?


Photo: Colin Anderson

"Anytime someone compliments me on my figure, I'm wearing Spanx undies," actress Isla Fisher has said. And she's just one of countless Hollywood A-listers who insist on shapewear as their red carpet secret weapon. Other devotees include everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Oprah to even Jennifer Lawrence, who has been known to discuss pre-Awards shows Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in the same breath. Heck, even Tom Hanks has vouched for the way that the undergarments "do something for you down there." Photoshop and retouching aren't available on the red carpet but Spanx does it IRL. Magic.

Related: The Truth About Retouching: One Model Speaks Out

Only, is it? That Spanx and shapewear magic is just pure so-tight-you-can't-exhale compression. And it turns out that while shapewear makes you look fit and healthy, it could be taking a toll on your health.It's been touched on in the past, but experts have come forward recently to express once more that compressing one's organs in the name of vanity might not be such a good idea. The problems can apparently range from numbness to blood clots to digestive issues. 

"Theoretically, there is a risk of increasing acid reflux," said Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa, an NYC-based gastroenterologist, when we asked her for her own opinion on the matter. "Spanx push your stomach contents up towards your esophagus."

So does that mean that we should all let our bodies run loose in the name of health? Not necessarily, says Dr. Rajapaksa, emphasizing the same approach that we're told to adopt in our diets: Everything in moderation. But, certain people might do best to eschew shapewear altogether. "If you have acid reflux, it would probably be best to stay away," she advises, "People prone to irritable bowel syndrome or bloating also might find it uncomfortable. Even the average person might [have discomfort] after eating."

Worried about the long term? Dr. Rajapaksa says that permanent damage isthankfullyvery unlikely. Long story short: if your Spanx are bugging you, then toss them. If not, then as long as you're not wearing them 24/7, go for it.