A fitness trend has people donning extra pounds — in the form of a weighted vest — in order to intensify their workout. But is it safe?
Weighted vests can help in burning more calories and improving heart workload, but caution is advised, especially for those with health conditions, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook said on "CBS Mornings Plus" Tuesday.
"People do like it for losing calories," LaPook said. "Anything that gets you to exercise, the better, but it is increasing the workload of your heart. So if you do have an underlying health condition, this is something you should check out with your doctor because it's like a mini stress test."
In terms of any benefits to bone health, LaPook said studies are inconclusive, but weighted vests may help prevent falls by strengthening muscles — as long as the vest itself doesn't cause a fall by throwing you off balance.
"Always listen to your body," he said. "If it hurts, don't do that and don't fall because of it."
Recommendations for how long to wear a vest are "all over the place," LaPook added, but advised starting with only adding 5% of your body weight and gradually increasing.
