To date, most studies show that red light therapy is safe, and none have reported significant side effects ( 1, 3, 4, 5, 9). Healthy lifestyle tips include eating a nutritious diet of minimally processed foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels ( 10, 11, 12). Most research points to a healthy lifestyle as the most effective way to lose weight. Most studies to date have been performed on individuals with a BMI of 25–30, so its effectiveness is unknown in populations outside of this BMI range.įurthermore, most participants in the studies have been white, which calls its efficacy among other racial populations into question. Though it depends on where you’re located, a six-session package can range from $2,000–$4,000, making it financially unfeasible for most people. ![]() The largest downside to red light therapy is its cost. If you’re looking to try red light therapy, it’s important to know about some of its downsides. However, larger and longer-term studies are needed. Most research points to modest fat loss after six or more treatments of red light therapy. ![]() Plus, there’s little data to show whether the results are long term or have clinical relevance. While most studies have observed benefits of LLLT treatment, there’s a lack of consistency among them. These studies and several others appear to show some benefits of using LLLT for fat loss ( 6, 7, 8, 9). Still, the study lacked a control group ( 4).įinally, one study in 40 people compared the efficacy of LLLT treatment on the circumference of the upper arms with a placebo treatment.Īfter 2 weeks, the LLLT group experienced a significant decrease in upper arm circumference of 1.5 inches (3.7 cm), while the control group didn’t experience any changes ( 5). clinic observed a significant decrease in waist (1.1 inches or 2.8 cm), hip (0.8 inches or 2 cm), and thigh circumference (1.2 inches or 3 cm). To date, several studies have found that LLLT or red light therapy provides benefits.Ī recent 6-week pilot study in 60 people found that LLLT treatments twice per week led to a modest 0.8-inch (2-cm) reduction in waist circumference However, these findings are limited by the lack of a control group ( 1).Īnother randomized double-blind study in 67 people revealed that those who received 6 LLLT treatments for 2 weeks lost significantly more collective inches from their abdomen, hips, and thighs - 3.5 inches or 8.9 cm) - than the control group ( 3).įurthermore, a 2-week study in 86 people at a U.S. Despite positive patient testimonies and impressive results from various studies, many researchers and healthcare professions are skeptical of its purported benefits. Red light therapy for weight loss is very controversial. Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, is a non-invasive procedure that may help remove fat from targeted areas of your body. That said, eating a healthy diet and exercising are strongly encouraged. There’s no downtime, and you can resume your normal activities right after the session. Most clinics recommend at least six sessions to see results. When you attend a laser session, a trained professional, such as a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, will place the laser on each treatment area for 10–40 minutes. ![]() This allows stored fat cells to leach out, shrink, and be removed through your body’s natural waste removal process ( 1, 2). Though the mechanism is unclear and controversial, one common theory is that LLLT temporarily breaks down part of the cell membrane. It targets the layer of fat that sits just below the surface of your skin ( 1, 2). The procedure uses a low-irradiance laser that emits wavelengths of red, blue, and infrared light approximately 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) into your skin. It’s a popular form of body sculpting - a type of non-invasive procedure that claims to remove fat cells without surgery. Better known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office.
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