In conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices, a wealth of evidence supports the use of red light therapy in boosting weight loss and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
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HOW DOES RED LIGHT WORK FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
Red light therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or infrared light) is an emerging non-invasive fat removal treatment. Red light has been used to treat all sorts of health issues—from insomnia to seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—but has also emerged as an effective and safe method aiding weight loss.
This therapy operates via a simple mechanism: when our bodies absorb light in the red and infrared range (600-1000nm), our cells respond by kicking into high gear, promoting weight loss and reducing cellulite.
There are two main reasons why red light therapy effectively accomplishes these results:
Red light wavelengths act on the mitochondria in our cells in a positive way.
Red light wavelengths (660nm) trigger a copper enzyme in our cells, leading to more cellular energy being produced and glucose being used more efficiently. This results in burning more calories during the day, which catalyzes fat loss (1).
Infrared light improves blood circulation and skin elasticity.
Improved circulation provides essential nutrients to the body more efficiently and helps improve collagen production, therefore decreasing cellulite and other fatty deposits beneath the skin (2).
Although the exact mechanisms remain unknown, the most popular theory among researchers and experts is that red light therapy causes fat cells to break down and release stored fat molecules into the bloodstream, where it is burned off either by exercise or cellular energy expenditure (3, 8).
EVIDENCE FROM RESEARCH STUDIES
Research has shown that red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy has a profound impact on reducing fat mass and fat tissue, and at eliminating cellulite. Several studies back up the efficacy of red light therapy, demonstrating its effectiveness in helping remove fat and improving body contouring (3).
What studies show:
A few studies show how red and near-infrared light (NIR) therapy have helped shave an entire 3.5 to 5.17 inches off waist and hip circumference by reducing a fat mass layer in just four weeks of use (4, 5, 8).
Red and near-infrared light therapy works to not only release the fat into the blood, but does so without negatively affecting blood serum lipid profiles (3).
In another study of 86 individuals using red light therapy at 635nm for 20 minutes every other day for two weeks, study participation lost 2.99 inches across all body parts–yes 3 inches–in just 14 days of red light therapy (6, 8).
Some research shows that near-infrared light therapy can dramatically enhance–nearly double–fat loss from exercise, as compared to people doing just the exercise routine without the NIR light therapy (7, 8).
In addition, the group using the NIR light therapy in tandem with exercise saw nearly double the improvements in insulin resistance (7, 8).
However, it is necessary to understand that while red light or NIR light therapy alone can cause fat loss, it is best to combine red therapy with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a sustainable diet in order to see lasting results.
HOW SAFE IS OUR RED LIGHT THERAPY?
Generally, red light therapy provides a pain-free, natural and safe alternative. Low-frequency infrared light has longer wavelengths than UV rays, making it gentle and safe on the skin.
We use Joovv Technology for our red light therapy, which meets the wavelength and power requirements used in the red light studies previously mentioned.
Unlike our competitors, our red light is no-touch, very affordable, and efficient enough to generate powerful results after a 10 minute session.
Book a session with us today and see the results for yourself!
SOURCES
de Freitas, Lucas Freitas, and Michael R Hamblin. “Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy.” IEEE journal of selected topics in quantum electronics : a publication of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-optics Society vol. 22,3 (2016): 7000417. doi:10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201.
Hadimeri U, Wärme A, Stegmayr B. A single treatment, using Far Infrared light improves blood flow conditions in arteriovenous fistula. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2017;66(3):211-217. doi: 10.3233/CH-170254. PMID: 28527196.
Pinar, A. et al. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fat Layer Reduction: A Comprehensive Review, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 45(6): 349-57.
Jackson, R.F., et al. (2009). Low-level laser therapy as a non-invasive approach for body contouring: A randomized, controlled study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 41(10): 799-809.
Jackson, R.F., et al. (2012). Application of low-level laser therapy for noninvasive body contouring. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 44(3): 211-217.
McRae, E. et al. (2013). Independent evaluation of low-level laser therapy at 635 nm for non-invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Suppversity. (2015). Phototherapy Doubles Fat Loss (11 vs. 6%) & Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity (40 vs. 22%) and Helps Conserve Lean Mass in Recent 20 Weeks ‘Exercise for Weight Loss Trial’.
Whitten, Ari. The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy. Archangel Ink, 2018.