There is no scientific evidence to prove that Vicks VapoRub, a topical ointment used for nasal congestion and cough can melt away belly fat and eventually lead to weight loss. The claim is false.

By Parul Goswami

A Youtube video on the channel Ayurveda India has been viewed millions of times claims that applying Vicks VapoRub can melt away the tough belly fat in only 3 days and help you lose weight.

Vicks VapoRub is over the counter available product and is generally used for cough suppression. It’s not listed as a decongestant but it can be used to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. However, the video suggests that this topical ointment can help in reducing belly fat which is misleading.

The video suggests adding camphor, baking soda and a few drops of alcohol to Vicks Vaporub. It assures that applying this to your belly and further covering it with a cling film overnight will help reduce belly fat up to an inch in 3-4 days.

This advice is “totally unscientific, it can burn skin or irritate skin” said Dr.Shimna Azeez, Medical Officer and lecturer at Government Medical College, Kerala.

The truth of the matter is, there is no way you can rub an ointment on your skin and the fat magically disappears.  Furthermore, Vicks VapoRub contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, known for their therapeutic benefits in cough and cold relief, and has no co-relation with burning belly fat.

Dr. Rohini Karandikar, a science educator and a member of the Indian Scientists’ Response to COVID-19 team, with the Hoaxbusters’ group, said, “the only proven ways that reduce belly fat are daily exercise or diet/fasting. No topical application would reduce belly fat.”

“By exercising, one can be sure of burning the fat and hence, reducing it”, she added.

Doctors, researchers, and even the product’s manufacturer recommend it for relieving cough, congestion, or in some cases sore muscles.