The no-diet, no-exercise slimming hack as nurse claims she dropped ‘6lb instantly’ – so what’s the expert verdict?

FIVE-minute slimming hacks that don’t require dieting or exercise can seem too good to be true. A nurse claims her go-to technique can quickly ease bloating – and could leave you looking pounds lighter almost instantly. Anya Clements, 25, before and after a lymphatic drainage massage Credit: SWNS The nurse says bloating can actually be caused by excess lymphatic fluid Credit: SWNS Anya Clements, 25, from Cardiff, Wales, says many people mistakenly blame hormones, diet or body fat for their bloated tummy, when they’re actually carrying around excess lymphatic fluid. The registered nurse and online coach swears by a process called lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, ease bloating and even help tackle brain fog. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! It involves activating the body’s lymphatic system through gentle, targeted massage to help the body clear waste products more efficiently. If you’re thinking of hitting the beach, Anya claims you’ll see immediate results with a five minute massage on your abdomen, and other areas of the body such as the neck, legs, and face. Anya advises consulting a health professional before trying lymphatic drainage Credit: SWNS But she says the quick sculpting fix can also have other health benefits Credit: SWNS The treatment can also be done in a clinic too, with Anya saying the results can be “instant” if done properly. “People think they’re fat, but a lot of the time it’s actually fluid retention,” the nurse says. “I’ve seen someone weigh six pounds less after a session just because of how much retained fluid they’d released,” she claims. “The treatment doesn’t melt away fat, it just seems it because it is draining fluid in your body.” Most read in Health But what do other experts have to say about lymphatic drainage? The technique isn’t new to the world of wellness and social media, where there seems to be a new massage or “lymphatic hop” routine every day to sculpt the face and ease puffiness, bloating and tiredness – and even boost weight loss. Aside from looking slimmer, Anya claims lymphatic drainage can support circulation and may even help people who struggle with brain fog or constipation. She said: “It’s becoming known as a beauty treatment because celebrities like Hailey Bieber love it, but it’s actually a wellness treatment. Lymphatic drainage can make you look less bloated, GP Dr Babak Ashrafi says Credit: Getty But fluid retention isn’t necessarily caused by a problem with your lymphatic system Credit: Getty “It has to be maintained frequently and does not remove fat – but it’s about helping your body work the way it’s supposed to.” According to Anya: “Everyone has a lymphatic system, but unlike your heart it doesn’t have a pump. “If you don’t activate it, the fluid just isn’t moving as well as it should. “That’s why so many people look and feel puffy. It’s not always body fat – sometimes it’s just fluid.” But GP Dr Babak Ashrafi, from Superdrug Online Doctor, says most people don’t actually need to clear out their lymphatic system. “In many cases, the lymphatic system is functioning normally but is temporarily dealing with a greater volume of fluid than usual,” the GP tells Sun Health. “The lymphatic system already works continuously to move excess fluid, waste products and proteins away from tissues, so most healthy people do not need to ‘detox’ their lymphatic system. “It’s also important to understand that not all fluid retention is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system itself,” he adds. “The lymphatic system plays a role in regulating fluid balance throughout the body, but swelling can occur for a number of reasons.” These can include hormone changes, stress and sitting at a desk all day. Your choice of takeout can even play a role. Rarely, more serious conditions like heart disease and kidney issues can also lead to swelling. Dr Ashrafi says: “In many cases, the lymphatic system is functioning normally but is temporarily dealing with a greater volume of fluid than usual.” Lymphatic drainage can be helpful in certain situations, such as when you need to reduce puffiness or feelings of heaviness, particularly after long periods of inactivity. “However, there is limited evidence to support claims that lymphatic drainage can significantly boost weight loss, remove toxins or dramatically improve overall health in otherwise healthy individuals,” says Dr Ashrafi says. “Many of the benefits people notice are likely due to temporary reductions in fluid retention rather than any lasting change to the body’s metabolism or detoxification processes.” Instead, Dr Ashrafi says that for most people, the best ways to support healthy lymphatic flow are far simpler than social media may suggest. “Regular physical activity, drinking plenty of water and avoiding long periods of sitting still can all help encourage healthy lymphatic circulation,” she says. “Deep breathing exercises may also help, as the movement of your diaphragm helps promote lymphatic flow throughout the body. “As the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, it relies largely on muscle movement and breathing to keep fluid moving efficiently.” Still want to give the technique a go? Anya suggests you press down on sides of your belly and the upper middle part three to five times with the tips of your fingers to “wake the pulse”, before dragging your fingers downwards in a circular motion. She also advises you find a lymph node map to find out how to drag fluid down the drain, so to speak – but warns this is best shown by a professional. She said: “The lymphatic system sits just beneath the skin, so pressing harder doesn’t help. “In fact, too much pressure can cause the lymphatic vessels to spasm. It’s all about using the right technique.” Lymphatic drainage in a clinic can cost up to £100 a session and involves a therapist using light, rhythmic pressure and gentle stretching movements to stimulate the lymphatic system. Or, it can involve wearing a lymphatic drainage suit, which uses wave-like compression to mimic a massage. People with persistent swelling or medical conditions such as lymphoedema should seek advice from a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause, Anya notes. Comment now