While commonly worn by women, men are also able to wear them. They are often worn to embellish, enhance, or distinguish the wearer.

Waistbeads help to embrace and honor your sensuality. They make you feel
beautiful and help with a positive body image, self-love, and acceptance.

They are popularly used to manage weight. The beads roll up the waist as you gain and roll down as you lose weight. This helps to be aware of your stomach and sitting posture.

 The
practice of wearing several waist beads over time is said to help keep the
waist small and accentuate the hips through the weight of the beads.

One of the benefits of waist beads is that it is used to indicate maturity. Throughout several countries in Africa, waist beads have been used to adorn girls in celebration of their coming of age. 

It can also be used not only for physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual growth.