Article: Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss?

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Feb 9, 2025Concern_Body Contouring

Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

01 How Does Red Light Therapy Aid Weight Loss
1. Red Light Temporarily Breaks Down Part of the Cell Membrane
2. Red Light Boosts the Metabolism
3. Red Light Regulates Hormones
4. Red Light Improves Skin Health and Appearance
5. Red Light Reduces Pain and Supports Recovery From Exercise
03 What Are the Best at-Home Red Light Therapy Devices for Weight Loss? 04 How Long Does it Take to See Results from Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss?
05 The Takeaway: Doe Red Light Therapy Work For Weight Loss

4-minute read

Widely recognized for its role in skin rejuvenation and wound healing, red light therapy is a therapeutic beauty technique that involves the application of light wavelengths to the skin to trigger certain biochemical reactions. Could some of these processes aid weight loss without resorting to more invasive measures? Let’s find out

How Does Red Light Therapy Aid Weight Loss

While the claims around red light therapy and weight loss are not yet fully understood some theories have been developed.

1. Red Light Temporarily Breaks Down Part of the Cell Membrane

Some research indicates that red light wavelengths momentarily disrupt part of the cell membrane allowing fat cells to be removed through the body’s natural waste disposal system.

2. Red Light Boosts the Metabolism

What is well established is that red light wavelengths increase ATP production - the energy currency of the cell. This stimulates additional energy in each cell as the light penetrates. A low metabolic rate is typically linked with difficulty losing weight. The science suggests the absorption of red light by the molecule cytochrome C oxidase can boost glucose metabolism and reduce overall blood glucose levels. The increase in the metabolic rate of each cell suggests that the body’s ability to burn calories may be boosted but more research is still needed in this area.

3. Red Light Regulates Hormones

Several studies have shown that red light stimulates thyroid function to improve hormone regulation. Dysregulated hormones are closely linked with weight fluctuations and in particular weight gain. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin moderate hunger cues and blood sugar spikes but red light is shown to have a role in balancing these hormones. It has also been associated with regulating melatonin and cortisol levels, to enhance sleep quality and reduce stress. This may make it easier to achieve weight loss goals.

4. Red Light Improves Skin Health and Appearance

Red light is best known for its ability to boost collagen and elastin, vital skin proteins to combat skin aging and compromised skin elasticity. Using a full body red light panel as part of your weight loss journey improves the overall texture of your skin by strengthening collagen stores to prevent skin sagging which contributes to the appearance of excess weight.

5. Red Light Reduces Pain and Supports Recovery From Exercise

Pain is a huge barrier to establishing a consistent exercise routine, especially for those carrying excess weight. Red light therapy is scientifically proven to reduce pain, and inflammation, and support muscle recovery after exercise for those eager to enjoy pain-free movement and reach their weight loss goals faster.

What Are the Best at-Home Red Light Therapy Devices for Weight Loss?

At-home red light therapy for weight loss is a cost-effective option, especially if you already have a red light therapy mask or panel at home. It's important to consider the device's power density; we typically recommend using one with a power density of over 30 mW/cm² for optimal results. A red light therapy panel is a great treatment option as it covers a larger area more efficiently and weight loss benefits mentioned above are often achieved quicker with a larger device. It’s equally possible to use your red light therapy mask as if it were a red light therapy wrap for weight loss. Simply place the device in the treatment area for the recommended treatment time.

How Long Does it Take to See Results from Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss?

Red light therapy for weight loss is not a cure-all, it absolutely must be combined with other weight loss efforts such as exercise, good nutrition, and managing sleep, stress, and other important lifestyle factors. The evidence strongly indicates that achieving weight loss results with red light therapy is especially enhanced when combined with a consistence exercise routine. It’s difficult to determine exactly how long it will take to achieve the desired results, as this depends on a variety of factors.

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The Takeaway: Does Red Light Therapy Work For Weight Loss

If you are on a wellness or weight loss journey, all forms of light therapy are associated with better energy levels and improved health outcomes. While there is still some skepticism about the capability of red light to break down fat cells directly, this is simply linked to the lack of sufficient studies on the topic. But the existing studies show promising results. Beyond its direct impact on metabolic health, red light has powerful indirect benefits such as hormone regulation, pain management, and collagen production making it deserving of a spot in any weight loss or wellness journey.

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written by Olivia Khader