Evidence of Red Light Therapy on Weight Loss

Low-level laser therapy,  also referred to as red light therapy or infrared light is a new, non-surgical form of fat reduction. Proponents of red light therapy suggest it is capable of melting away the fat that is resistant to regular diet and exercise. However, numerous health professionals question its application.

This article examines the use of red light therapy for fat reduction including its advantages, drawbacks, and potential risks.

An Overview of Red Light Therapy

Often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can be administered at home or in a medical clinic.

A low-irradiance laser is used for the procedure, which emits wavelengths of red, blue, and infrared light up to 5 cm into the skin, targeting the layer of fat located just beneath the surface.

It can temporarily damage some parts of the cell wall, resulting in the fat cells being released, reduced, and then disposed of via the body’s natural waste disposal system.

At a laser appointment, a competent and qualified specialist—like a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon—will use the laser on the required area for 10-40 minutes. Most facilities strongly suggest a minimum of six treatments before any outcome can be seen.

Immediately after the session, you can go back to your regular routine. However, it is highly recommended to eat a nutritious diet and exercise to supplement its use and ensure maximum intended results.

Can Red Light Therapy Be Used to Reduce Weight?

Even though there are many positive patient testimonies and research results that point to its effectiveness, numerous healthcare professionals and researchers have doubts about red light therapy’s advantages.

Many research projects have determined that low-level light therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy has advantageous effects.

A 6-week trial involving 60 participants revealed that twice-weekly LLLT treatments created a minor decrease of 0.8 inches (2 cm) in waist circumference. Nevertheless, the lack of a control group limits the reliability of these findings.

In a randomized double-blind trial with 67 participants, those who were given 6 LLLT treatments over 2 weeks were found to have significantly more collective inches lost from their waist, hips, and legs (3.5 inches or 8.9 cm) when compared to the control group.

A 2-week study of 86 individuals at a United States clinic revealed a noteworthy drop in waist (1.1 inches/2.8 cm), hip (0.8 inches/2 cm), and thigh circumference (1.2 inches/3 cm). Unfortunately, the study lacked a control group.

Finally, a study involving 40 participants evaluated the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in reducing the circumference of the upper arms compared to placebo treatment.

Two weeks after the start of the LLLT treatment, the participants saw a noticeable reduction in the circumference of their upper arms of 1.5 inches (3.7 cm), while the control group did not experience any noticeable modifications.

The majority of studies have shown that red light therapy can result in a slight reduction in fat after a minimum of six treatments. However, additional research with larger study populations and longer-term follow-up is necessary.

What Are the Limitations of Using Red Light Therapy?

When considering using red light therapy, it is essential to be aware of these potential drawbacks:

• High costs: The cost of a package of six sessions may not be affordable for many, as the price can vary between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on where you live.
• Not guaranteed to be successful for everyone: Research conducted up to this point has focused on individuals in the range of 25-30 BMI, leaving its use in other BMI groups undetermined. Studies have largely been conducted with a white population, raising doubts about its effectiveness with other racial demographics.

What Should You Do?

For those desiring to experiment with red light therapy, consulting a certified healthcare professional is the ideal option. This is because they can assess your overall health and offer tailored advice for your individual situation. At RedShift we assign coaches to our members to ensure that you get the best from using red light therapy.

Moreover, we recommend that you apply other weight loss techniques such as eating a diet that consists of unprocessed foods and establishing a frequent exercise routine can help one achieve the calorie deficit, which is essential to weight loss.

Conclusion

As we have seen, red light therapy is a body sculpting procedure that can help you eliminate stubborn fat.

If you wish to cut down your weight, the most beneficial approach is to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your life while applying red light therapy. This should consist of consuming a nourishing diet and frequently engaging in physical activity, which are both strategies that have been proven to help you attain a healthy weight.

Get the Best At Home Red Light and Experience at The Shift!