Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss?

If you’re looking for a weight loss solution that doesn’t involve diet or exercise, you may be wondering if red light therapy can help. Does it work? Read on to find out.

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Introduction

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that may help with weight loss.

RLT is a type of light therapy that uses red low-level wavelengths of light to treat various conditions, such as skin damage, scars, and wrinkles. RLT may also help with weight loss by reducing the size of fat cells.

A 2018 study showed that RLT may help reduce the size of adipocytes, which are cells that store fat. The study found that participants who underwent RLT treatments had a significant reduction in the size of their fat cells after eight weeks, compared to those who did not receive RLT treatments.

Another study from 2017 found that RLT may help reduce abdominal fat in women. The study showed that women who underwent RLT treatments had a significant reduction in abdominal fat after four weeks, compared to those who did not receive RLT treatments.

RLT is generally considered safe, but there are a few potential side effects, such as skin irritation, eye damage, and dizziness. If you are considering RLT for weight loss, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses red low-light lasers or LEDs to treat various skin conditions, such as wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. RLT is also sometimes used to help with wound healing. When used for weight loss, RLT supposedly works by reducing the size of fat cells.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses red low-light lasers or LEDs to stimulate cells and promote natural processes in your body. RLT is often referred to as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT).

This type of therapy uses specific wavelengths of light, which are absorbed by cells in the body. When the light is absorbed, it triggers a series of events in the cell that can lead to improved cell function.

RLTL can help to Speed up wound healing
Reduce inflammation
Decrease pain
Stimulate collagen production
Stimulate hair growth

Many people believe that RLT can also help with weight loss by:
boosting metabolism
reducing appetite
increasing fat loss

Does red light therapy have any side effects?

Red light therapy is considered safe for most people. However, there are a few side effects that have been reported, such as:

-Skin irritation: Some people may experience mild skin irritation after exposure to red light therapy. This is usually temporary and should go away on its own. If you experience more severe skin irritation, you should stop using the therapy and speak to a doctor.
-Eye damage: It is important to avoid looking directly into the light emitting diode (LED) during red light therapy. Doing so could damage your eyesight. You should also avoid shining the LED directly into someone else’s eyes.
-Pregnancy: There is no evidence to suggest that red light therapy is unsafe for pregnant women, but there is also no evidence to suggest that it is safe. If you are pregnant, it is best to speak to a doctor before using this therapy.

How much does red light therapy cost?

Red light therapy can be done at home with a device that costs around $200 to $500. Devices that are used in a professional setting can cost upwards of $2,000. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of red light therapy if it is deemed medically necessary.

How often should you have red light therapy?

Most experts agree that you should have red light therapy at least 3 times a week, and preferably every day, for best results. You may see some benefits after just a few sessions, but it usually takes 2-4 weeks of regular treatments before you notice significant results.

Is red light therapy right for you?

Red light therapy can be used as part of a weight-loss plan, but it’s not a magic bullet for shedding pounds. The therapy may help you burn calories and fat, but it’s not clear how much weight you’d lose.

How it works
Red light therapy is sometimes also called low-level laser therapy or cold laser therapy. Lasers emit light at a single wavelength, while light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emit light at multiple wavelengths.

Researchers believe that when this type of light is absorbed by your cells, it boosts your metabolism and helps your cells convert glucose into energy. These processes could lead to weight loss by burning more calories and by preventing the storage of fat in your body.

Research on red light therapy for weight loss
A few small studies have looked at whether red light therapy can help with weight loss.

In one study, people who were overweight or obese were exposed to red and near-infrared light for 30 minutes a day over eight weeks. The people who received the treatment lost an average of 4% of their body fat, while those who didn’t receive the treatment lost less than 1%

Another small study looked at whether red light therapy could help women who were overweight or obese lose weight and improve their blood sugar levels. The women in the study who received treatments lost an average of 3% of their body fat and saw improvements in their fasting blood sugar levels

A third study found that obese people who received six weeks of red light therapy treatments lost an average of 4% of their body fat. They also saw improvements in their insulin resistance, which is a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes
Risks and side effects associated with red light therapy are generally mild. They can include:

Skin irritation or redness
Eye irritation if your eyes are exposed to the light source
Worsening acne

These side effects are usually temporary. More research is needed to determine whether there are long-term risks associated with this therapy

Conclusion

Red light therapy may be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it’s not a miracle solution. If you’re looking to lose weight, you should still focus on eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Red light therapy can be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan, but it’s not likely to produce significant results on its own.