Red Light Therapy For Weight Loss: Does It Work & Precautions 2024

If you’ve tried diets, exercise, and even fat-burning supplements but just aren’t getting the positive results you really want, particularly in targeted areas, you may want to look into other alternative weight-loss methods. 

Red light therapy is a relatively new, non-invasive approach to losing weight. It involves exposing the body to infrared light, which has been hypothesized to help with fat reduction and skin rejuvenation. Red light therapy may also enhance exercise endurance by increasing blood circulation,^[1] thus helping you burn more calories. 

However, it’s important to understand its science before deciding if it’s right for you. Let’s break down what red light therapy is, how it works, and any associated risks or precautions.

Some limited studies have shown it can effectively reduce area circumference^[3] when targeting body fat in the abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs. Still, the studies so far have been in small groups and sometimes lacking in a control group for comparison. Though the studies are pretty limited, their results show there is potential for^[4] using red light therapy to lose weight. 

When targeted areas are exposed to red or near-infrared light energy wavelengths, they have been shown to increase metabolic activity within the fat cells, resulting in fat loss. In addition to its fat-burning properties, red light therapy has also been found to reduce inflammation in the body^[5] which could further support weight loss efforts by decreasing stress hormones associated with poor metabolism and excess weight gain. 

Red light therapy has also been hypothesized to balance hormone levels in the body. This could be significant for people looking to lose weight as it may help regulate food cravings and hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which are responsible for controlling appetite. Studies on photobiomodulation or RLT showed that it could reduce insulin levels by a third in diabetic patients. It appears to have immunomodulating effects that improve circulation and heart contractility showing that it affects hormone balance but^[6] further research is needed to determine what other hormones RLT may impact.

Furthermore, this type of treatment laser acupuncture, promotes better sleep patterns,^[7] leading to better control over eating habits since sleep deprivation has been linked to increased calorie intake and higher body weight.^[8] 

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy also referred to as low-level laser therapy,^[9] is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed by a doctor or qualified practitioner in their office. It is considered a form of body sculpting, which can target specific areas of the body and potentially reduce fat deposits in these areas. Utilizing this therapy in conjunction with a balanced diet, exercise regimen, and possibly even specialized fat-burning supplements is more likely to achieve the desired results. 

The laser sends wavelengths of infrared light a couple of inches into your skin, targeting the fat that sits just below it. The theory is that it breaks down the membrane of the fat cell, which is then removed through your body’s natural waste removal process. 

There hasn’t been enough research to definitively prove that low-level laser therapy has weight loss benefits, which is why it remains controversial. 

The procedure lasts between 10 and 40 minutes, and at least six sessions are recommended to see results.

Infrared light therapy has been studied for various applications.^[10] It is thought to be able to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, increase cellular energy, stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, reduce pain and stiffness, improve wound healing time, and accelerate recovery from workouts. 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red light therapy is a kind of phototherapy used to improve overall health and wellness. It involves exposing the body to non-ionizing, low-energy infrared light, which is thought to have healing properties. 

The process works by stimulating more energy production in different cells, including fat cells, promoting collagen production,^[11] and helping with reducing inflammation. Low-level laser therapy can be used for various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and rosacea. It has also been purported to increase energy levels and improve mood. 

The exact mechanism of how red light therapy works is not entirely understood; however, cells apparently absorb the photons when exposed to red light. This causes a reaction in the body called photobiomodulation, which helps enhance cellular metabolism and mitochondrial activity.^[12] As metabolism increases, more fuel is available for cell repair and regeneration. 

Low-level laser therapy generally involves lying or sitting in front of a device that emits the correct frequency of wavelengths. The specific amount of time needed will depend on the treated areas and the condition being addressed. Red light therapy can also be done from home with weaker devices that are designed especially for home use.

Red Light Therapy For Body Sculpting

Recent research in red light therapy has revealed new insights^[13] about its effectiveness as a body sculpting technique. Specifically, studies have shown that it can increase cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, ultimately leading to higher fat-burning rates in targeted cells. 

This ultimately results in increased fat oxidation, which is crucial for sculpting desired body shapes. Additionally, cytochrome c oxidase levels are associated with improved energy metabolism and mitochondrial functioning.^[14] Those who practice red light therapy can benefit from improved stamina and lean muscle tissue production. 

Red Light Therapy For Skin Health

Red light therapy can treat redness, scarring, acne, and wrinkles. It can increase collagen production and circulation, which has been shown to have an anti-aging effect.^[15]

Red Light Therapy For Dental Health

Red light therapy is thought to impact temporomandibular dysfunction^[16] positively, which can cause jaw pain and tooth grinding. It also has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of periodontitis^[17] and other inflammatory conditions in the mouth. 

Red Light Therapy For Muscle And Bone Health

Laser therapy has been shown to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis,^[18] tendinitis,^[19] and carpal tunnel syndrome.^[20] 

Red Light Therapy For Mental Health

While more research needs to be done in this area, red light therapy has shown promising results in improving the cognitive function of people with Alzheimer’s disease.^[21] It has also been linked to improved mood in people with anxiety and depression.^[22] 

Risks

There are minimal red light therapy weight loss side effects. The safety profile of low-level laser therapy is excellent; numerous studies have confirmed its therapeutic effects, with few side effects^[23] reported other than mild skin discoloration in some cases. It is essential, however, to consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any program making use of red light therapy benefits for weight loss goals to ensure that it is safe for you, particularly if you have sensitive skin. 

As there are no definitive guidelines for how long the laser should be applied, there is always a risk that an untrained clinician misuses the device, which could potentially damage the skin. Also, the intensity and type of light used in red light therapy can be dangerous to eyesight, so proper eye protection should always be worn during treatment.

The treatment is also not recommended for pregnant women, as not enough research has been done to determine its safety while pregnant. 

Precautions

Except for the risks discussed above, it is important to remember that most studies performed for red light therapy weight loss have been small studies on relatively healthy people with a body mass index of under 30. As minimal research has been done outside these groups, its efficacy and risks may differ with varying demographics. 

As always, speaking with your healthcare provider to determine your applicability when considering red light therapy treatments is recommended. 

The Takeaway

Low-level laser therapy has shown potential for weight loss in some patients. Although it has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for use on the skin, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for weight loss. 

While adding red light therapy to your weight loss program may help to increase metabolism and reduce fat accumulation, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a miracle cure-all. Losing long-term stubborn fat will require healthy lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, exercising, or following a specific weight loss regime.

Red light therapy, if used, should be done with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. Those considering using this non-invasive alternative for healthy weight loss effects should always consult their doctor before starting any treatment course. 

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