From social media ‘fit-fluencers’ to weekend warriors, weighted vests are the latest fitness trend for those looking to take their walks up a notch. The idea is simple: strap on a vest that adds extra pounds to your bodyweight, and suddenly, everyday movements become harder, muscles work overtime, and calorie burn ticks upward.
But is this latest fitness craze worth the hype? Or could it be doing more harm than good? We asked Iowa Ortho physicians to break down the pros and cons of working out with a weighted vest.
Why People Love Weighted Vests
Weighted vests are being marketed as a way to burn more calories, build strength, and improve bone health—and our doctors agree there’s truth behind the trend.
Boosted calorie burn
“The vest likely increases energy expenditure during light to moderate activities like walking,” says Dr. Tim Vinyard. While the difference isn’t dramatic, those extra calories burned each day can add up over time.
Strength and bone density
“For younger patients without osteoarthritis, there are benefits in bone density, muscle strength, and gains from exercise,” notes Dr. Christopher Vincent.
Sports performance—even for youth
Dr. Stephen Carveth encourages resistance training for pediatric athletes as well. “For me, the weighted vest is another avenue of resistance training and if used correctly and not overused, can have a positive impact on a pediatric patient’s health and sports performance.”
The Other Side: Why They’re Not for Everyone
While weighted vests aren’t “bad” on their own, they aren’t the magic solution some social media posts make them out to be.
Arthritis flare-ups
“In someone with existing osteoarthritis of the knees and potentially the hips, the extra weight could exacerbate the disease process and flare up their symptoms,” cautions Dr. Craig Mahoney.
Not a quick fix
“There is nothing ‘magical’ about a weighted vest,” says Dr. Vinyard. Without lifestyle changes, the results will be modest.
Already carrying extra weight?
As Dr. Vinyard explains, if a patient has a higher BMI, adding even more load may not be helpful since their joints are already under extra stress.
So… Should You Try It?
Weighted vests may be a great training tool for younger, healthier people looking to challenge themselves. But patients with knee or hip arthritis, or those already managing extra weight, should be cautious.
“Ultimately, it’s a balance,” says Dr. Vincent. “The increased load during exercise could temporarily worsen osteoarthritis symptoms, but if the vest helps patients lose weight in the long run, that could actually decrease stress on the joints.”
The Bottom Line
Weighted vests aren’t a fad to fear, but they’re not for everyone. Iowa Ortho’s providers evaluate patients on a case-by-case basis, because there’s no single right answer.
Schedule an appointment with one of our fellowship-trained providers today; they can help you better understand your joint health, weigh the risks and benefits, and find the best course of action for your goals.