How often have you looked in the mirror and wished for a flatter stomach? Light therapy may be the answer to your prayers. Red light therapy is a non-invasive, natural treatment that uses LED lights to deliver energy to your body’s cells. It is believed to help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and stimulate collagen production for smoother skin. So, can red light therapy reduce belly fat?
In recent years, red light therapy on the stomach has been explored as a potential way to reduce or eliminate stubborn belly fat. This article will discuss the evidence on this topic from both anecdotal accounts and scientific studies, explore the effectiveness associated with its use, and offer advice on how to safely incorporate it into an overall weight loss strategy.
The ultimate goal is to provide readers with an understanding of whether or not red light therapy can reduce belly fat for long-term success.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy fat loss, also referred to as photon stimulation therapy, low-power laser therapy (LPLT), photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level light therapy (LLLT), and cold laser therapy, is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses LEDs or low-level lasers to deliver energy and healing benefits to areas of the body.
Danish doctor Niels Finsen discovered in 1903 that red light could be used to treat conditions such as muscle and skin diseases (lupus vulgaris) and tuberculosis [1]. As a result of this discovery, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Red light therapy is believed to help the body burn fat more effectively by increasing the production of mitochondria, which are the “powerhouses” of our cells responsible for generating the energy our cells need to function properly.
In simpler terms, when the light waves reach the layer of fat under your skin, they turn into energy that helps your body improve blood flow and speed up the breakdown of fat cells. This means that Red Light Therapy can make your body feel like it’s working out, even though you’re just lying under a panel of LED lights!
During the procedure, a low-irradiance red light emits low red and near-infrared (NIR) light levels with wavelengths that penetrate approximately 1-2 inches into your skin. The fat layer beneath your skin’s surface is the target of the treatment.
The light waves cause a temporary breakdown of a portion of the cell membrane. As a result, the fat cells can release their stored contents, become smaller, and get eliminated through your body’s natural waste removal process.
At-home red light therapy for belly fat is becoming a new trend since the devices available now are safer and cost-effective that can be administered without any professional in the room. An effective red light therapy at home could take between 10 and 40 minutes. However, it depends on the area you are treating. Moreover, if you must visit a clinic, make sure you consult with a board-certified professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Typically, achieving noticeable results requires a minimum of six sessions, as most clinics recommend.
The Effectiveness of Red Light Therapy in Reducing Belly Fat
Anecdotal evidence from people who have used red light therapy to reduce belly fat suggests that it is a safe, non-invasive way to lose weight and achieve the desired body shape. However, few scientific studies demonstrate its effectiveness.
The limited number of published studies involving humans suggest that red light therapy could be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for fat loss.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2014, 56 participants received four weekly sessions of red light therapy for belly fat over an 8-week period. The study found that those who received red light therapy experienced significant reductions in waist and hip circumference compared to a placebo group.
According to another study [2], red light therapy decreased the size of abdominal fat cells in rats. Additionally, another study discovered that RLT could potentially increase the number of mitochondria in human fat cells, ultimately resulting in more efficient fat burning.
Researchers believe that the possible reason behind these results could be the rise in blood circulation and lymphatic drainage due to RLT.
The role of diet and exercise in conjunction with red light therapy
Red light therapy can help reduce fat in the abdominal area, provided it is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. While it answers your question of whether red light therapy reduces belly fat, it should not be viewed as a replacement for traditional fat loss methods like diet and exercise.
Ultimately, red light therapy may serve as an important tool in achieving desired body shape goals faster than possible without any intervention. In other words, it can act as a nutritional supplement to support weight-loss efforts by helping you reach your goals more quickly.
When using red light therapy for belly fat reduction, the key is maintaining a balanced diet containing nutrient-dense whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Additionally, it is important to be physically active on a regular basis to burn calories and build muscle.
For best results, you should also incorporate other forms of exercise, such as strength training and cardio, into your routine. This will help you strengthen the muscles in your abdominal area and increase your overall fat-burning capacity.
Overall, red light therapy can be an effective addition to any weight-loss regimen when used responsibly and with a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise. With continued application, it can help reduce belly fat over time and potentially provide long-term results if paired with a balanced diet and physical activity.
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy Beyond Belly Fat Reduction
Red light therapy has many more benefits beyond belly fat reduction [3]. Here are some of the ways in which it can improve your overall health and well-being:
Red Light Therapy for Skin Health
Red light therapy is effective at stimulating collagen production, which helps to keep skin firm and smooth. This can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Moreover, RLT can also help clear up acne and blemished skin due to its antibacterial properties.
Red Light Therapy for Full Body Contouring
In addition to reducing body fat around the midsection, red light therapy can be used for full-body contouring by targeting stubborn areas such as the arms, legs, and buttocks. This can help achieve a more toned and sculpted physique without surgery or other invasive methods.
You may also wanna Learn Three Types of Therapy For Treating Depression.
Red Light Therapy for Muscle Soreness and After-Exercise Recovery
Red light therapy has been shown to reduce muscle soreness after exercise. This is partly due to its ability to increase circulation, which helps speed up recovery. RLT also stimulates endorphins, natural painkillers that can help alleviate post-exercise aches and pains.
Conclusion
Can red light therapy reduce belly fat? YES! As you can see, red light therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce belly fat and improve overall health. When used responsibly and with a healthy lifestyle, it can help lower body fat levels, enhance skin health, and promote muscle recovery after exercise. Follow instructions carefully and consult your doctor before beginning any regimen for best results. With this in mind, RLT may be an excellent option for those looking to effectively target stubborn areas of fat on the body.
Reference:
- PC Gøtzsche MR. Niels Finsen’s treatment for lupus vulgaris J R Soc Med. 2011 Jan 1; 104(1): 41–42 doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2010.10k066
- Pinar Avci, MD, Theodore T. Nyame, MD, Gaurav K. Gupta, MD, PhD, Magesh Sadasivam, MTech, and Michael R. Hamblin MR. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fat Layer Reduction: A Comprehensive Review Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Aug; 45(6): 349–357. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22153
