Numbness
It is rarely recommended that people sit in shapewear for long periods of time, as doing so can cause a condition known as “meralgia parenthetic”. This is caused by nerves in your thighs being compressed. Symptoms of this include tingling, numbness and pain in the legs. According to chiropractor Dr. Karen Erickson, “It’s like putting these giant rubber bands around your upper thighs and tightening them when you sit.” It decreases the circulation in your legs, and could even lead to blood clots.
Unfortunately, how waist trainers and other forms of shapewear affect an individual can vary from person to person. At the end of the day, however, it’s important to weigh the possible risks to ensure that a desirable outward appearance matches your internal health and well being.