It is common that this element of underwear performs not so much an aesthetic function as physiological - supports the chest, protecting it from sagging. We decided to check if this is really so.

Basic task bra usually called Form support breasts. Sites on the selection of underwear, Describing the functions of the correct bra, almost always List Prevention Singing breasts. Similar statements can be found even on medical sites clinic and in interview experts.

The breast sag is called a scientific mastoptosis, its degree is determined by the position of the nipple relative to the fold, where the lower surface of the chest is attached to the chest. Mastoptosis is a natural aging effect, connected With an age -related decrease in the level of female sex hormone estrogen. How found out Scientists, the age of the chest is influenced by the age (the older the woman, the more age -related changes her body undergoes), significant (more than 20 kg) weight loss earlier, a constant high body of the body, large breast size, number of pregnancies and smoking. At the same time, breastfeeding, weight gain during pregnancy and the lack of regular physical exercises do not affect the risk of mastoptosis. Speaking occurs faster and more pronounced during the period of menopause and in women with pathologiesaffecting the production of collagen (for example, with syndrome Elers - Dunlos).

In order to understand the mechanism of support (or sagging) of the breast, you need to understand its structure itself. The chest consists of mammary glands, milk ducts, adipose tissue and Cooper ligament. There are no muscles in the chest itself, so it is impossible to “pump up” the chest itself with exercises. All exercises to improve the shape of the chest are designed for the muscles to which the chest is attached. The adipose and glandular tissue are distributed unevenly, moreover, the ratio of these types of tissues in the chest changes throughout life. So, during pregnancy and lactation, glandular tissue growsAnd after the completion of breastfeeding, the reverse development undergoes the reverse development, that is, the adipose tissue becomes more again. To prevent sagging of the chest, the bra had to influence the ligaments and the distribution of certain types of tissues inside the chest. 

However, the conclusions of scientists indicate that this, apparently, does not happen. One of the first studies on changes in the shape of the chest in case of rejection of the bra Published Japanese doctors in 1990. They gained 11 volunteers, who at first for three months offered to wear professionally selected underwear, and then for another three months to abandon this wardrobe item at all. It turned out that after three months without wearing linen, the chest was higher and more elastic than even after wearing the right bra. 

In 2003, the French sports doctor Letia Pierrot Published The data collected during the observation of 33 athletes aged 18 to 25 years, who trained at least four hours a day and agreed to refuse to wear a bra. During this period, the doctor measured various chest parameters four times. The measurements showed the absence of mastoptosis, the best elasticity of the chest and the development of the muscles to which the mammary gland is attached. The doctor suggested that these changes were associated with the strengthening of connective tissue, which adapted to new mechanical stresses caused by the cessation of wearing a bra.

In 2009, the conclusions of Pierrot confirmed Another French doctor is Olivier Roussel, who watched 50 women for three years after refusing to wear a bra. The volunteers did not sag chest, the fabrics did not stretch, but, on the contrary, became more elastic.

In 2013, French scientists Shared The preliminary conclusions of their studies about what is happening with the breasts of those who refuse to wear a bra. For 15 years, researchers have observed 330 volunteers aged 18 to 35 years, who decided to refuse to wear this wardrobe item. Professor of sports medicine Jean-Deni Ruion, who led the study, reported The Local publication is that "with a medical, physiological, anatomical point of view, the breast does not receive any benefit from refusal in gravity." Against, explains He, "supporting fabrics will not develop, but rather will decrease in size, which will gradually worsen the condition of the chest." According to the calculations of French scientists, after refusing to wear a bra, the nipples of the volunteers on average rose relative to the level of shoulders by 7 mm per year. However, the researchers themselves emphasize the limitations of their conclusions: the sample was non -presenting for the entire population, moreover, the abandonment of this wardrobe item It is unlikely Radical will help a 45-year-old woman with excess weight and several children.

Ruion's conclusions at the same time Passed Criticism from the side feminist Communities. Firstly, the activist was embarrassed that the study of the chest was conducted by a male professor. Secondly, how Writes, for example, the Columnist The Guardian Deborah Orr, “women wear bras not for medical, physiological and anatomical reasons. We wear them for psychological, aesthetic and practical reasons. ” 

The experimental data of scientists is supported by health specialists. For example, Susan Love, an American surgeon and a breast cancer researcher, in her work "Book on the chest of Dr. Susan Love" calls The belief that wearing a bra strengthens the chest and prevents its possible sagging is erroneous. “It sags due to the ratio of fat and other tissues in the chest, and not a single bra changes it,” the doctor emphasizes. Robert Mansell, professor of surgery at Wales University Hospital, also speaksthat “wearing a bra does not prevent sagging of the chest. Stretching of the ligaments in the chest and sagging occurs in itself in adulthood, the main reason for this is the weight of the chest itself, and the fact that its owners wear bras does not prevent these changes in any way. ” Doctor of Medicine Kassann Blake in the material on the Cleveland Clinic website, non -profit medical scientific center, calls The idea of ​​the connection of wearing a bra with the shape of the chest by myth. And the scientific journalist Deborah Franklin compares Its with a previously common similar conviction in relation to a corset.

At the same time, experts Do not count Brand to the absolute evil and most often Do not call Completely refuse to wear it. Scientific proventhat, contrary to common misconceptions, close linen is unable to provoke breast cancer. Moreover, experts Consult Pay attention to the comfort of the woman herself, including psychological. Those who have large breasts and playing sports, May be Comfortable do This is in the bra. And although the whole industry produces and offers lotions, creams and special bras that reduce breast sagging, Name These methods cannot be effective. Only cosmetic surgery using implants and injections can eliminate mastoptosis. At the same time Slow down The natural processes of breast aging is still possible. To do this, you need to monitor your weight, eat right, do not smoke, maintain good physical shape and use sunscreen to prevent the aging of the skin of the chest.

Thus, the idea that wearing a bra will protect the chest from sagging is nothing more than another Pseudo -Demedic myth. There are no scientific data confirming such a position. Moreover, the conclusions of scientists show that it is the refusal to wear this item of the wardrobe that can improve the appearance and shape of the chest. The ligaments and muscles, which are supported by the bra, are supported by support, only strengthened, which makes the chest more tightened.

Image on the cover: Image by PEXELS from Pixabay

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