Magnetic Therapy for Weight Loss: What Really Works?
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Busting Myths About Magnetic Rings for Weight Loss

Busting Myths About Magnetic Rings for Weight Loss
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Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, LSW
Updated on August 14, 2025
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It's easy to be tempted by products touting quick and easy ways to lose weight, such as magnetic rings for weight loss. But generally, if a weight loss gimmick sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is no solid evidence that magnetic therapy will help you lose weight.

What Are Magnetic Rings?

A quick search for “magnetic rings weight loss” yields an array of magnetic products that claim to help you shed pounds. Magnetic rings are placed on your finger, but many other products are sold for magnetic weight loss therapy, such as:

  • Magnetic bracelets
  • Magnetic toe rings
  • Magnetic earrings
  • Magnetic patches
  • Magnetic “seeds” worn on the outer ear

How Do Magnetic Rings Supposedly Work?

“Magnetic rings, bracelets and earrings are sold under the pretense that they assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger and satiety, and circulation,” says Michelle Cardel, PhD, RD, associate director of the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville.

These devices are “purported to increase your metabolism through the north pole of the magnet,” Dr. Cardel says. A fast or “high” metabolism allows you to burn more calories at rest and when you exercise.

“Some people also suggest that the rings and bracelets can be used in combination with acupressure,” an alternative therapy technique, based on the idea that stimulating certain points on the body will lead to changes within the body, Cardel says.

No Solid Evidence for Weight Loss

There's no evidence to support the use of magnetic therapy for weight loss.

A research study in 2019 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 of previous research also concludes that noninvasive brain stimulation techniques may help with weight loss and reducing food cravings.

 These studies may have made people think magnets might enhance their weight loss journey, but electromagnetic brain stimulation is not the same as wearing static magnetic jewelry.

“There is zero evidence to suggest that magnetic rings, or similar magnetic devices, aid in weight loss,” Cardel says. “This is magical thinking.”

What Works for Weight Loss?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss because having overweight is a “complex and multifactorial disease,” Cardel says.

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
It is generally recommended for adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 150 minutes each week, but to lose weight you’ll likely need more or to cut calorie intake.

 Cardel recommends working with your doctor to create an individualized weight loss plan.

Can Magnetic Rings Be Harmful?

Magnetic rings might not help you lose weight, but is there a problem in trying them anyway?

There could be — magnetic rings might interact with imaging tests and medical devices.

Wearing acupressure magnets (or any magnet) can be very harmful or compromise test results if you have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which your doctor might prescribe if you have certain conditions.

 The possibility of creating a magnetic projectile, combined with risk to the machine are why there are very strict rules regarding magnets in the scan room.

Magnetic rings may also be harmful to people who wear devices such as pacemakers, which regulate heart rhythm.

 Speak with your doctor if you have any medical devices before trying any magnetic jewelry.

Note that any kind of small magnet, including magnetic jewelry, may pose a hazard to small children if swallowed.

The Takeaway

  • There is no scientific evidence that magnetic rings or other magnetic devices promote weight loss, despite claims about their impact on metabolism and appetite.
  • Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, remain the most effective approach to sustainable weight loss.
  • While magnetic rings may seem harmless, they can interfere with certain medical procedures like MRIs and could interact negatively with medical devices such as pacemakers.
  • If you're seeking to lose weight, consult with a healthcare professional to create a personalized plan that aligns with your health needs and goals.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Metabolism and Weight Loss: How You Burn Calories. Mayo Clinic. October 8, 2022.
  2. Ferrulli A et al. Weight Loss Induced by Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study. Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism. April 8, 2019.
  3. Alhindi YA et al. The Use of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques to Reduce Body Weight and Food Cravings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Obesity. August 14, 2023.
  4. Interested in Losing Weight? U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  5. Physical Activity and Your Weight and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 27, 2023.
  6. Otjen JP et al. Acupressure Magnets: A Possible MRI Hazard. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. April 3, 2014.
  7. Staying Safe During an MRI. Columbia Irving University Medical Center. July 24, 2023.
  8. Devices that May Interfere With ICDs and Pacemakers. American Heart Association. October 29, 2024.
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Sean Hashmi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management at a prominent healthcare organization in Southern California, Dr. Hashmi oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge nutritional programs and weight management strategies. With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field.

Hashmi founded the nonprofit organization SelfPrinciple.org to provide accessible and accurate health, nutrition, and wellness information to the public. Through this platform, he shares the latest research findings, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. Self Principle also supports children's education by providing scholarships, books, and supplies, so that students have the resources necessary to succeed academically and build a brighter future.

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Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, LSW

Author
Batya Swift Yasgur, a freelance medical writer, received her BA from Barnard College, MA from Harvard University and MSW from Rutgers University. She has a NJ-based counseling practice.
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