by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN…………………………………
A little note to lighten your week… a recently published study from France evaluated the effects of bras on the breast in 320 women over a 15 year time span. They concluded that bras actually make breasts more saggy! Go figure…
I must admit, the headline caught my eye for several reasons… I couldn’t imagine how the funding was established to perform the study – a 15 year study! Did bra makers put up the funds only to discover the results proved bras unnecessary – oh dear. What measurements were used to evaluate the effects of bras on the breast? How does one exactly measure saginess!?!
Evidently a slide rule and caliper ( instrument used to measure the distance between objects) were used to evaluate multiple factors, including but not limited to nipple height and breast orientation. The data revealed that women who did not wear bras had 7 millimeter higher nipples each year in comparison to their bra wearing counterparts. Their breasts were also firmer, and their stretch marks faded. The study suggests that bras prevent continued improvment of muscle tissue to help support breast orientation. There was also no evidence that the bras helped get rid of back pain.
The study’s author cautioned readers that study participant ages were limited to between 15 to 35. They did not evaluate the effects of bras on older women’s breasts.
Enjoy a little extra freedom – it’s good for you!
