Are you looking for a way to get rid of stubborn fat and achieve your weight loss goals? Red light therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), may be the answer. This type of body sculpting has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Red light therapy is effective in reducing fat, which in turn results in weight loss. But how does it work? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the science behind red light therapy and its potential benefits for weight loss. The mechanism of red light therapy for weight loss is quite simple: it increases the metabolic rate.
As we mentioned in our descriptions of red and infrared light, phototherapy stimulates our mitochondria (the cell's energy source) to increase glucose oxidation. Since subcutaneous fat is quite close to the surface of the body, it is readily available for the wavelengths used in phototherapy. Near-infrared light therapy is very well studied for various aspects of health and muscle growth and can help you lose weight from this perspective. The patient is instructed to lie down or sit in front of the light for a specified time on a regular basis (usually once a day). This vasodilating effect is due to several factors: the wavelengths of red light will photodissociate (remove) nitric oxide molecules from respiratory enzymes, and also improve the production of carbon dioxide by respiration.
This study found that red light helped control levels of hunger-related hormones leptin and ghrelin in participants with sleep problems. Many people have reported that they feel more energetic and ready to start the day; in terms of weight loss, this could mean extra energy to go to the gym or go for a quick walk. Red light provides structural health improvements in the epidermis and dermis parts of the skin, while some more red, and especially the near infrared, can more easily penetrate the subcutaneous layer, providing metabolic benefits there. Newborn babies and animals that hibernate have higher levels of brown fat (some call it “good fat”). This type of fat helps regulate body temperature and can be activated by exposure to cold temperatures or red light. Unfortunately, there is a lack of large-scale, high-quality clinical trials that yield conclusive evidence that red light therapy supports weight loss.
Despite all these significant shortcomings, the studies showed only a small benefit of phototherapy. If you are looking for information, you may find several studies that seem to demonstrate the benefits of red light therapy for fat loss, but in general the studies are not of high quality. A popular theory is that the laser creates holes in fat cells, allowing the stored fat to flow out and your body then removes the fat. The researchers also concluded that red light therapy could control cardiometabolic risk factors in obese populations. In conclusion, while there is some evidence that red light therapy can help with weight loss, it should not be seen as a miracle cure.
Keep in mind that no procedure or treatment will lead to a permanent loss of excess fat. This can only be achieved through an ongoing commitment to healthy eating and frequent exercise; and by continually treating underlying conditions affecting weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances.
