Weighted vests may be more harmful than beneficial for women during physical training.

noli's read

Dr. Stacy Sims emphasizes that adding external load alters biomechanics and stress distribution, which can be problematic for the female pelvic floor and joint structure, as they are often more taxed by this additional load than men's. While weighted vests are well-documented to increase energy expenditure and improve bone density or power (observational studies and small controlled trials), their systematic use without specific adaptation can lead to inappropriate postural compensations. What holds true is the need for progressivity adapted to the female physiological profile to avoid the risk of injury or stress urinary incontinence. What is sometimes exaggerated in the wellness community is the idea that the weighted vest is a universal tool to 'burn more' without considering the total structural load. There is insufficient robust long-term evidence demonstrating that the metabolic benefits of the weighted vest outweigh the specific musculoskeletal risks for all women. The approach therefore favors caution and listening to one's body rather than adopting a trend out of mimicry.

the sources

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