Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss: Is It Real?

Red light therapy machine (RLT), also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is used as a non-invasive treatment. It has proven benefits in skin health, wound healing, and muscle recovery. However, there is still a lot of controversy over weight loss results.

Let's explore the unfolding conversation about whether red light therapy helps with weight loss and learn more about its authenticity and usefulness!

How Does Red Light Therapy work?

Red light therapy uses low-wavelength light (usually around 660 nm and 850 nm) to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. This process enhances mitochondrial activity and increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use for energy.

When applied to fat cells, it is believed that this energy boost helps the fat cells break down and release their contents, which are then used by the body for energy.

What Are the Main Uses of Red Light Therapy?

FDA-approved red light therapy benefits and uses generally include the following:

1. Skin health: promotes collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity and texture.
2. Relieve Pain and Inflammation: For arthritis, muscle aches and pains, etc. Reduce pain by improving blood circulation.
3. Accelerates wound healing: Helps heal burns, scars, and post-operative wounds.
4. Enhance Muscle Recovery: Accelerates recovery after exercise, and reduces fatigue and soreness.
5. Improves sleep: regulates melatonin to help improve sleep quality.

Most light therapy, like PRUNGO Red Light Therapy, is used for skin health as well as pain relief and improved sleep, but there is no more conclusive research to show whether it is effective in helping us lose weight. Let's read on.

Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss: Is It Real?

Not necessarily effective. Red light therapy is considered more of an aid. However, there is still a lack of sufficient scientific basis for red light therapy alone to achieve significant weight loss. If you combine a healthy diet and exercise with red light therapy, you may be able to achieve some weight loss.

The effectiveness of red light-weight loss therapy has not been fully scientifically proven. While some studies have shown that red light can help with weight loss by accelerating fat cell breakdown and metabolism, these results tend to come from small studies and results vary from person to person.

Evidence in Favor of Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss

Several small studies have shown that red light therapy can support localized fat loss and body contouring. For example, some studies have shown that red light therapy can help reduce waist, hip, and thigh circumference. The therapy may work by shrinking fat cells without destroying them, making it a non-invasive option compared to procedures such as liposuction.

A Harvard study found that receiving a few minutes of red light therapy can cause fat cells to release large amounts of fat. However, the results of these weight loss methods tend to be less dramatic and often target small, localized areas rather than leading to overall weight loss.

Will It Lead to Significant Weight Loss?

While red light therapy may help shrink fat cells and improve body contour, it should not be considered the primary method for significant weight loss. Fat reduction with red light therapy is temporary and lost fat may reappear unless combined with other lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

It is also important to note that most of the fat loss occurs in areas directly exposed to the red light, making it more suitable for those who want to target specific problem areas rather than reduce body fat overall.

Complementary Effects

Red light therapy can be beneficial when combined with a healthy lifestyle. It is known to improve muscle recovery after workouts, reduce inflammation, and even improve sleep, which is crucial for effective weight management. In addition, RLT may help regulate hormones such as insulin and leptin, which play a role in metabolism and appetite control.

When combined with regular physical activity and a balanced diet, RLT may enhance weight loss, making it easier to maintain a healthier body composition.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe because it is non-invasive and does not involve chemicals or harmful UV rays. However, minor skin irritation or dryness may occur in isolated cases.

In addition, pregnant women or people with certain skin conditions should consult their doctor before use. Overall, red light therapy has fewer side effects and is suitable for most people, but it is best to seek professional advice before long-term treatment.

You can read this article for more details on whether you can do red light therapy during pregnancy: is red light therapy safe during pregnancy?

Conclusion

Red light therapy may have some promising weight loss results, but it is not a panacea for weight loss. It can help reduce fat in targeted areas and support muscle recovery, but its effects are more likely to be complementary than transformative on their own. For those who are serious about losing weight, RLT should be combined with a proper diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits.

If you are interested in trying RLT, there are home devices available, which can make it a more affordable and convenient option. Keep in mind that consistency and a holistic approach are key to achieving sustainable weight loss.

In conclusion, while red light therapy may help to shape the body and improve some aspects of fat loss, it works best when used as part of a broader health and wellness program.

PRUNGO's red light therapy at home full body not only works on various parts of the body but also adopts a wearable design, which is very convenient to use. If you mainly use it to relieve pain, treat arthritis, and other physical pain problems. You may as well go to our product homepage to learn more and choose to buy. I believe it will be your ideal choice!

Related reading: How long to use red light therapy