Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss | Here’s what you need to know

Updated on October 27, 2021

Weight loss is a long process that requires a lot of effort. You need to change your daily routine by eating healthy food with balanced nutrients, drinking tons of water, working out, and getting sufficient sleep. However, even if you do all the things listed above, the desired results are not guaranteed. Fat tissue sitting in our body is often very hard to dissolve, no matter how dedicated you are. 
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In recent years, a non-invasive method of treatment called red light therapy has risen to fame. Extensive research shows that low-level wavelengths of light can bring tremendous benefits to our health and aid in fighting versatile concerns.

But does red light therapy work for weight loss? Let’s take a closer look:

Red Light Therapy 101

Red light therapy uses a combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths that have the power of penetrating deeply into the tissue. These low-level light particles reach our cells and boost their functionality. This is achieved through optimizing the production of ATP, the primary source of cellular energy. The increased ATP levels make our cells work harder at performing their purpose of keeping us healthy from within. 

Studies indicate that optimizing red light powers help us heal quicker, fight inflammation, improve blood flow, and increase cell turnover and metabolism. 

Red Light Treatments And Weight Loss

The best thing about red light therapy is that it is multifunctional. When you expose yourself to the light continuously, it targets numerous issues at the same time. 

Here’s how it can help you reach your goal weight:

Improved Metabolism 

Very often, the biggest obstacle between you and your goal weight is low metabolism. Research shows that continuous red light treatment sessions can assist with that. When light particles boost cellular functions, a chain of other processes follows. Blood flow improves drastically, which helps deliver necessary nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. As a result, metabolic rate increases, leading to fat loss.  

Dissolving Fat Tissue

One of the biggest challenges of weight loss is getting rid of stubborn fat often accumulated in weight, thighs, hips, and upper arms. It is true that these body parts are quite welcoming to fat tissue. Fortunately, red light therapy can help change that. 

A randomized study observed 67 participants that went through six red light sessions in two weeks. After these sessions, the measurements of the hips, waist, and thighs of those who received treatment were significantly decreased (3.5 inches). Another 2-week study in 86 people observed a decrease in the waist (1.1 inches), hip (0.8 inches), and thigh circumference (1.2 inches). 

Furthermore, scientists conducted a trial comparing the weight loss rate of 2 focus groups – one was exposed to RLT, while another received placebo treatment. After a few sessions, the first group had a 1.5-inch decrease in the upper arm circumference, while the placebo group had no changes. 

Muscle Repair

If you want to lose weight quickly, without compromising your health, you need to implement a workout in your daily routine. But we all know that it’s easier said than done, especially when you have never dedicated yourself much to physical activity. If that is the case, you’ll experience muscle soreness after workouts, making it harder to go on. Muscle pain after exercise occurs because muscle tissue gets inflamed. Naturally, it takes a few days for muscles to regenerate the fibers affected. 

With red light therapy, you can speed up the recovery process. An extensive study done on professional volleyball players revealed that RLT promotes faster muscle repair and raises general energy levels. Another research has shown that being exposed to the red light before workouts lower the chances of muscle soreness. What’s more, red light therapy stimulates protein synthesis and cell proliferation, which helps you build muscle mass more efficiently. 

Improved Sleep Quality 

Losing weight can be quite a challenge if you are not getting enough sleep. Countless studies show that poor sleep quality leads to metabolic disorders and increases the risk of obesity. If you are familiar with sleepless nights, red light therapy can once again be an excellent method of overcoming it. 

Red and near-infrared light particles have a soothing effect on our brains. Moreover, unlike other types of light, these wavelengths promote melatonin production.

Recent research done on this matter proved the positive relationship between RLT and sleep. The participants were exposed to red light during sleep for three weeks. After the trial, participants reported improved sleep quality, duration, as well as higher energy levels in the morning and enhanced cognitive functions. 

Red Light Therapy For Weight Loss: Summary 

As you can see, all evidence favors red light therapy when it comes to weight loss. This alternative treatment method can be a single piece of the puzzle missing from your weight loss plan. 

If you’re considering incorporating red light sessions in your daily routine, don’t forget to first check in with your healthcare professional. Even though RLT is a non-invasive procedure with no proven side effects, it is always encouraged to get a doctor’s opinion according to your medical history. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.