#RED LIGHT FOR WEIGHT LOSS AT HOME SKIN#

It can also improve collagen and elastin production, an essential component of healthy skin. Cold laser therapy (synonymous with RLT) can reduce oxidative stress, which is known to accelerate the aging process and increase weight-promoting hormones. RLT increases blood flow, helping to eliminate waste from the body and ensure a well-functioning metabolism. Weight loss is actually one of the more well-known benefits of red light therapy, made popular by body sculpting procedures that use this technology to reduce adipose tissue and tighten skin. Research shows that cold laser therapy can release lipids from fat cells (adipocytes), which explains its popularity as a fat burner.

#RED LIGHT FOR WEIGHT LOSS AT HOME SKIN#

While we still aren’t exactly sure how red light therapy exerts its benefits, research shows that these wavelengths penetrate into the skin tissue and stimulate the production of the body’s natural energy source, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Red light therapy emits red light (hence its name), but is typically not felt during a session as it does not emit heat. Weight loss companies state that benefits can be seen after one use, while others promote multiple sessions for up to a year. It depends on many factors, including the target area, desired benefits, and device size. The light is directed toward or placed on your body, and a session length can vary from 5 minutes to over an hour. However, smaller devices can be purchased for at-home use for other concerns like joint pain or wrinkles. Red light therapy can be performed in-office with larger devices, which most body sculpting companies use. Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss: How Does It Work?

Just keep an eye out for overstated claims, and know that these sessions often come with a high price point. Unfortunately, the long-term weight loss benefits of these are also unclear, but I frequently see my patient’s health drastically improve from these diets, giving them an edge over RLT.īut for those with stubborn fat or who want to quickly drop some pounds while pursuing a healthy diet and lifestyle, research shows that cold laser therapy may help you attain your weight loss goals. If you’re looking for sustainable weight loss, I’ve broken down a scientific review that covers other fat-burning methods including a diet that cuts processed foods, such as the Paleo diet or is calorie-restricting, as in intermittent fasting. And if you do decide to take the plunge and splurge for a few sessions, it’s currently unclear how long the effects will last. The downsides of RLT are that it can be expensive, time-consuming, and lacking in standardized protocols. It may even have hormonal effects that promote a healthier body weight and overall metabolism, along with numerous other health benefits. Though it’s likely not a stand-alone for weight loss, red light therapy (RLT) may boost your weight-loss efforts alongside a whole-foods diet and an exercise regimen.

The biggest “risks” of red light therapy for weight loss are its expense, unclear long-term effects, and poorly defined protocols.Ĭan red light therapy for weight loss make dieting a thing of the past? While the scientific evidence does support the use of these red light-emitting cold lasers for body sculpting and weight loss, they are by no means a miracle cure for that extra weight.

However, RLT seems to work best for weight loss when combined with regular exercise.Cold laser therapy isn’t a substitute for diet and exercise and shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone therapy for weight loss.Claims from body sculpting/contouring companies are often vastly overstated, and research is mixed on its weight loss benefits, so use your discretion.RLT can also regulate the hormones involved in metabolism like thyroid hormone, insulin, and leptin.Red light laser therapy (RLT) for weight loss is promising, as research shows it has fat-burning effects and can help you lose fat from targeted areas, like the waist.

Red light for weight loss at home