Red Light Therapy or Infrared Sauna: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

Red light therapy and infrared saunas are gaining attention for their potential health benefits.

But if weight loss is on your mind, you’re probably asking, “Which one works better?” With almost half of U.S. adults trying to lose weight each year and the challenges of staying consistent, it’s easy to feel stuck.

Let’s explore both options and see which could be the key to making your weight loss journey a little easier.

What is a red light or infrared sauna?

Red light therapy and infrared saunas are both popular wellness treatments, but they work in different ways.

Red light therapy uses specific light wavelengths to stimulate your body at a cellular level, promoting overall health.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use heat to warm your body directly, helping it function better.

What makes them different is the type of energy they use: light for red light therapy and heat for infrared saunas.

Both treatments are generally safe when used correctly, with few risks.

Does red light therapy help with weight loss?

Red light therapy could be your secret weapon for weight loss. It helps your body burn fat faster, improves your metabolism, and even makes your skin look better.

Studies show how this works. In one study, women saw a noticeable reduction in belly fat after 12 sessions of red light therapy.

For example, their middle abdomen shrank from about 97 cm to 92 cm—a significant difference!

Another study showed that red light therapy at 670 nm improved mitochondrial activity and lowered blood glucose spikes by 27.7%, which may support weight loss by regulating metabolism.

It also improves blood flow by opening up blood vessels, delivering nutrients more effectively, and supporting fat loss.

On top of that, red light therapy increases collagen production, leaving your skin firmer and smoother as you lose weight.

These benefits go beyond just shedding pounds—they make your weight loss journey healthier and more rewarding.

Do saunas help with weight loss?

Saunas can play a role in weight loss, but how effective are they? Research shows that regular sauna use can lead to noticeable changes in body mass.

One study on sedentary overweight men revealed that after four sauna sessions, participants lost an average of 0.65 kg.

Another study found that individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) lost the most weight during sauna sessions, especially those who were overweight or obese.

The heat causes your heart rate to rise, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories.

However, it’s important to stay hydrated, as saunas can lead to dehydration, particularly for those with a higher BMI (BMI, a measure of body fat based on weight and height).

Can you combine red light therapy with infrared sauna heat therapy?

Yes, it’s safe to combine red light therapy with infrared sauna heat therapy, and it’s an excellent way to enhance your weight loss efforts.

Start with the sauna to open your pores and improve circulation, then follow with red light therapy to boost cellular repair and metabolism.

This combination helps your body detox more effectively and amplifies the fat-burning process.

Stick to recommended session times for both therapies to enjoy the full benefits without overdoing it

Should you just rely on infrared saunas and red light therapy for weight loss?

Relying solely on infrared saunas or red light therapy won’t lead to significant weight loss.

These methods support weight loss by improving metabolism and recovery, but they aren’t the main solution.

Combine them with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated for effective results. 

Conclusion - Red Light Therapy or infrared sauna: Which is better for weight loss?

Red light therapy and infrared saunas each offer unique benefits for weight loss.

Red light therapy supports fat loss, boosts metabolism, and improves skin health, while infrared saunas help burn calories, enhance circulation, and promote detoxification.

Depending on your goals, both can play a role in your journey. Combining the two with exercise and a healthy diet can amplify your weight loss and overall wellness.

Related Articles:

• Best Saunas for Weight Loss in 2024
• Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss?
• How Long to See Benefits of Infrared Sauna?