I wear the waist beads for exactly the reason you posted. I'm a prostitute.
No, it's really to monitor my weight lol. Are you west African? I spoke to a few women who said they would give them to newlyweds so they could monitor their weight gain. Some women wear them for years. Even when pregnant, they just roll upwards and when you have the baby you can see how close you've come to pre-baby weight. They also are helpful in curbing eating too much, as they get a little snug and uncomfortable if you have. Anything to get rid of all these fatties, amiright?!