How Red Light Therapy is Useful in Losing Weight?

Humans are very conscious about their looks and beauty. We(humans) are very much concerned about Health and Weight loss nowadays. Therefore, we are attracted to different kinds of procedures and treatments for fat loss. Red Light Therapy is one of the treatments that attract people for fat loss.

This article will cover all the aspects related to red light therapy and let you understand about it completely by using the given outline.

• What is Red Light Therapy?
• Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
• Disadvantages, Risks, and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy
• How safe is it? 
• Risks involved?

There is also a catch described below that allows you to get aware and digest more information about red light therapy:

• How does Red Light Therapy work for Fat Loss?
• Advantages of red light therapy for Fat loss
• How Much Weight Can You Lose With Red Light Therapy?
• Red Light Therapy Cost?

Let’s dive in and have all the questions answered.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is one of the remedies to improve issues regarding skin and other health problems. 

Red light Therapy (RLT) is commonly used to improve skin appearance such as:

• Wrinkles
• Acne 
• redness 
• scars

It is the procedure where the skin is exposed to a laser(i.e. red light) with the help of a device and a lamp. 

This will help mitochondria (A part of our cell also called the “Power Generator” of the cell) to make more energy. Eventually, cells repair themselves and become stronger and healthier.

Red Light Therapy is a treatment that involves Red Light and Near-Infrared wavelength. This is low in power and directly absorbed into the skin with a depth of 8 to 10 millimeters. Because of the low-power Red Light wavelength, it is a painless treatment. Moreover, due to its 8-10 millimeter reach into the skin, it can be beneficial for our metabolism, nervous system, and cellular functions.

Red Light Therapy (RLT) has various other terms, such as LPLT (Low-Power Laser Therapy), LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy), and PBM (PhotoBioModulation). Red light is similar to infrared light. The only difference is We(humans) cannot see infrared rays through the naked eye but red light can be seen.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a newly invented treatment with very little research work(around 30 peoples and animals); which is why it is still controversial and needs more clinical research.

According to Research and Experts, Red Light Therapy (RLT) can have the following effects:

Improve skin issues 

• Red Light Therapy is commonly used to improve skin issues such as wrinkles, acne, wounds, scars, and redness. 
• Red Light Therapy also helps in improving rejuvenation effects. 
• RLT helps to reduce collagen production in scars and improves thickness in scars. 
• Red Light Therapy is absorbed into the skin with a depth of 10 millimeters to trigger mitochondria that give more energy to cells. 
• This helps to repair cells themselves and increase blood flow.

Hair growth

Red Light Therapy helps to improve hair growth by reducing the effect of androgenetic alopecia (a common form of hair loss caused by a genetic predisposition) and oxidative stress in the body.

Reduce muscular and Joint pain 

Joint pain is the most common issue in adults. Red Light Therapy is directly absorbed by the body skin and assist in:

• Improving cell structure
• Regenerating and restoring cells
• Improving the ability of cells to repair themselves and trigger the blood flow

This can seriously help reduce muscle and joint pains.

Improve the Nervous System

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is very popular nowadays and it can be useful for our Nervous system. Red Light Therapy can be beneficial for clinical symptoms such as depression, Insomnia, and cognitive impairment. 

Red Light Therapy is absorbed directly into the skin in depth and travels through the skin and boons. It increases the blood flow and works by neurons (simulating cells in the brain) specifically a part of neuron cells called mitochondria. Red Light is absorbed by Cythrone C Oxidase in mitochondria and increases neuroprotection, blood flow, and energy and leads to brain repair.

Red Light Therapy can be very beneficial to the treatment of psychiatric disorders, mental health, recovery from brain injury or strokes, and people with neurodegenerative conditions.

Improve cellular function

As we discussed earlier Red Light Therapy helps mitochondria to make more energy and cells repair themselves and it increases the ability of the cellular system.

Reduce Side Effects of Cancer Treatment 

There are the most common side effects of cancer treatment such as cognitive impairment, depression, sleep problems, mental health, hair loss, severe pain, and severe fatigue.

Red Light Therapy is directly absorbed into the skin at a depth of 8 to 10 millimeters and increases the energy of mitochondria and is very beneficial with these side effects and we can say it will be beneficial to reduce cancer chemotherapy side effects. 

However, the current study shows that there might be some harmful effects in cancer patients with the RLT therapeutic method. According to a study by Hawkins et al, if there is any doubt about promoting metastasis in cancer patients RLT should be avoided although there is no scientific evidence that RLT can develop cancer cells.

Improve metabolism Reduce Body fat

Red Light wavelengths when bathed in the body can create positive biological effects. Red Light Wavelengths are directly absorbed into the skin and when it reaches the fat layers inside the body it will convert it to cellular energy and can accelerate the metabolism process of hidden fat into the cellulite.

Nowadays Red Light Therapy is the only safest way to reduce fat from the body without doing any hard workout.

How Red Light Therapy is Useful for Fat Loss?

Red Light Therapy (RLT) refers to both Red Light and near-infrared wavelengths. For fat loss, the best red light wavelength is 635 nm combined with 880nm of near-infrared light. There is a range known as the “Therapeutic Window” (650nm to 850nm) widely studied and proven to have lots of therapeutic benefits on the human body. 

Red Light Therapy is calibrated with some factors such as 

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

Many powerful panels use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs specially calibrated to Red Light and Near-infrared wavelengths. There will be a spark of positive biological effects once photons if light from these powerful panels interact with the cells of your body.

Leptin and Ghrelin

Poor Sleep habits are one of the common reasons for fat gain. Sleeping less can cause an increase in the production of ghrelin while reducing the level of leptin (a hormone helping to maintain body weight, control appetite and regulate energy the body burns) often resulting in weight gain. 

The International Journal of Endocrinology, a 2012 published study says that the effect of leptin and ghrelin shows that Red Light Therapy increases leptin levels and decreases ghrelin.

Desire of Hunger.

Red Light Therapy is highly beneficial to those who are looking to counter, reduce fat, and follow a low-calorie diet for weight loss because Red Light Therapy helps to reduce the desire for snacks and hunger. 

Till now we get to know that Red Light Therapy Treatment can help with fat loss. So, Undoubtedly we must have some questions in our minds regarding the treatment. Let us review some questions in this article

Does Red Light Get Rid of Cellulite?

The fat that is just beneath the skin is called Cellulite which is excess subcutaneous fat and can not be burned only with exercise. Red Light Therapy is a way to reduce it as it improves blood flow and gives more oxygen and nutrients to our butt and helps produce collagen and glow. Collagen reduces the accumulation of cellulite. When we study cellulite it shows that Red Light Therapy is more effective with exercises or workouts.

How Can I Lose Targeted Weight With Red Light Therapy

Targeted weight loss is the process of reducing fat from certain areas and storing it in the desired areas. For Example, Most females want to reduce fat from their bally and keep the fat in their breasts, buttocks, and thigh areas. Same with males as they want to reduce fat from their belly and keep the fat around the chest, Shoulders, upper arms, and thigh areas. 

Targeted weight loss is impossible because when the calories are burned, it affects equally on the whole body not targeted areas but the Red Light Therapy has shown effective results on localized fat loss.

In a 2011 study on the effect of body contouring, around 40 healthy men and women successfully reduced 1-inch waist measurement after eight treatments in four weeks and achieved these results without altering diet and exercise. 

Red Light Therapy can be a useful treatment to help us target fat loss. Red Light Therapy guides our cells to produce more energy, and blood flow, and consume more calories from targeted areas. 

Is Red Light Therapy worth it?

Red Light Therapy helps reduce the size of fat cells and provides additional benefits such as

• Body shaping

Red Light Therapy is a kind of sculpting body. It may help us reduce stubborn fat. Red Light Therapy might be helpful to tighten our skin and tone our body. Its results are modest at best. 

• Reduces belly fat

With the treatment of Red Light Therapy, we can reduce targeted fat. It is a common wish for males and females to reduce belly fat and keep fat around the thighs, chest, shoulders, and upper arms areas. Moreover, belly fat can be reduced using this beneficial technique.

• Reduces cellulite

As we know cellulite is the cell that stores stubborn fat just beneath the skin. Red Light Therapy is directly absorbed into the skin and when it reaches the layers of fat it helps mitochondria (the Power Generator of our cell) to produce more energy and increase blood flow. That causes the reduction of cellulite very effectively.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Fat loss

Some of RLT advantages are given below:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be the mental roadblocks when it comes to fat loss. It is challenging to motivate ourselves to regularly exercise and eat a healthy diet in a severe mental situation. Red Light Therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety because it reduces inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating the immune system.

Red Light Therapy can be more effective than medicine when it comes to better sleep. Good sleep improves overall physical health decreases anxiety and enhances brain ability. It is suggested to start Red Light Therapy early every morning from 6: a.m. to 9 a.m. for the best results to reduce stress and anxiety.

Enhances Fat Burning

Red Light Wavelengths are directly absorbed into the skin and when it reaches the fat layers inside the body it will convert it to cellular energy and can accelerate the metabolism process of hidden fat into the cellulite. Red Light Therapy can help the body break down stored fat molecules and triglycerides.

Red  Light Therapy increases the amount of energy in the cell and that causes the fat burn. Red Light Therapy can accelerate the metabolism process and this causes fat loss.

Reduces Inflammation

Red wavelengths combined with near-infrared lights are used to treat numerous conditions of inflammation. It can be valuable in reducing cortisol levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and decreasing inflammation in fat cells. Red Light Therapy increases blood flow and generates more energy which can reduce inflammation.

Improves Skin Elasticity

After fat loss, there is a common issue of skin elasticity. Mostly our belly thighs and upper arms skin can be elastic after fat loss and this makes us uncomfortable and creates a destructive impact on our personality.

Red Light Therapy stimulates collagen production. Collagen is a part of connective tissue that builds skin and gives skin its structure, strength, and elasticity. Red Light therapy can improve our youthful look and make us feel fabulous.

Stimulates the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid can lead to fat gain when it is not functioning properly. The thyroid is a gland that is located in the neck and regulates the energy and metabolism system. Red Light Therapy can be helpful for mitochondria to generate more energy in cells and increase blood flow.

Red Light Therapy — A Weight Gain Antidote?

Red Light Therapy is a new innovative technology. This procedure is a non-surgical, pain-free, and healthy way to fat loss. 

There are a few 6-week pilot studies that show some groups of people applied the Red Light Therapy procedure for fat loss twice a week and successfully reduced fat from targeted areas. Some more studies show as follows

• A pilot study from 2020, shows 60 people reduced 0.8-inch (2 cm) waist circumstances in 6 weeks with 12 sessions of Red Light Therapy Treatment

• A trial of a 2-week conducted from May 2007 to June 2008 across multiple private practice sites in the United States of America revealed that 67 people with 6 treatments of RLT for 2 weeks had significantly more collective fat loss from their hips, thigh, and abdomen.

• Furthermore, 86 people in U.S. clinics with a 2-week study reduced fat from targeted areas thigh circumference (1.2 inches or 3 cm), waist (1.1 inches or 2.8 cm), and hip (0.8 inches or 2 cm).

• The group of sixty overweight participants were treated with various RLT treatments. Some were treated with three sessions per week for four weeks, some were treated with twice a week for 6 weeks, and the remaining were treated with once per week for 12 weeks. The participants who experienced the greatest result were those who were treated twice a week for 6 weeks with remarkable outcomes reducing 6-12” in waist circumference.

These studies highlight the benefits of fat loss but most of the research on six or more treatments of RLT points to modest fat loss. However, long-term studies are needed. 

The session of Red Light Therapy takes approximately 20 minutes and the result will depend on our body and how dedicated we are to our goals. When it comes to the number of sessions we require, it will depend on several factors. These include the number of inches we want to lose,  body fat percentage, eating habits, exercise habits, and areas of concern. Normally we need 12 sessions over four to six weeks of Red Light Therapy. 

If we want to see the result after one session then abdominal girth might be reduced by 1 to 2 inches. Good healthy eating and exercise with Red Light Therapy treatment are required to have fast results.

Disadvantages, Risks, and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

The Disadvantages of Red Light Therapy Less Than the Benefits. However, it is very important to know that Red Light Therapy has potential and short-term side effects.

Red Light Therapy is generally safe but some topical risks are involved including:

It is not a cure-all

Red Light Therapy will give lots of benefits but it will not work for everyone and it is not a cure-all. The Wavelength of Red Light Therapy affects how deeply the light is absorbed into the skin. Everyone’s skin is different so results can vary from person to person.

Lack of honesty and transparency in the Red Light Therapy industry

Red Light Therapy is new and will be popular nowadays. Unfortunately, many claims of benefits are not backed up by science. It has also become more common for companies selling Red Light Devices to market the device irradiance. They want us to think that more power is better and they provide more. The meter these companies use to measure the apparatus is for solar not for light wavelength. This can be very confusing and misleading for the buyers. 

It can be harmful if misused

There are recommendations on how much we can use Red Light Therapy Treatment. We can not overdo Red Light Therapy. The overdose may cause tissues and cells damaged, and premature aging of the skin. Although these impacts do not indicate permanent injury.  Pregnant women are not encouraged to use Red Light Therapy.   

It Can be a Long Process with Consistent Commitment

Red Light Therapy is a time-consuming treatment. Immediate results may be possible but it’s likely to take some weeks or months before we see results. There are normally 12 sessions twice a week for 6 weeks or months and each session takes 20 minutes to an hour according to the requirement. 

This can not be easy to commit especially when we are busy. Patience and commitment can be sufficient to achieve significant benefits. 

It may not be covered by insurance

Red Light Therapy may not be covered by insurance because it is considered cosmetic treatment and most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic treatments. It is recommended to contact the insurance provider before any LED treatment. 

It can be challenging to find a qualified provider

There are lots of incredible benefits listed that Red Light Therapy offers. However, we need to find a qualified provider who can assure us of the pros and cons of our treatment. It is hard to find a qualified provider because most dermatologist clinics and skin specialists do not offer Red Light Therapy. 

Any Adverse Health Effects That Can Arise From Using Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is generally safe but some health effects can arise from using Red Light Therapy such as:

Eye Damage

The eyes are susceptible to light. This is the cause associated with risk when using Red Light therapy. Wearing goggles and sunglasses can avoid this risk factor. It is suggested to not stare directly into the light. Some LED devices use high-intensity light that is too bright for the eye. There is a conclusion that some studies say Red Light Therapy is not just safe for the eyes but can heal the injury of the eyes. The difference is in devices. Some devices are designed for skin treatments and some are specially designed for the face. If the device is designed only for the body do not use it on the face. Instructions are recommended to check if instructions said to wear protective goggles, must wear them in every session of treatment 

Skin Irritation

Red Light therapy uses a low level of light and it is very safe and does not burn or hurt the skin. But remember Red Light Therapy is not a cure-all, some people who have sensitive skin may be affected with temporary skin irritation, such as swelling, itching, and redness. This is usually mild and lasts for a few hours. Be sure to consult with a medical professional if experience any severe or persistent skin irritation,

Pigmentation Changes

Red Light Therapy is the way in which cells absorb the Red light and repair themself to produce more energy and it can enable skin cells to re-establish their normal pigmentation levels.

As we know it is not a cure-all. Red Light Therapy can sometimes cause pigmentation changes in the skin. This is more likely to occur in people who have darker skin. If you experience any pigmentation changes consult with your dermatologist or skin specialist. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

At the same time each year, some people experience depression. In this period, they feel a lack of interest in life and low mood. This is a form of depression that has a seasonal pattern. It is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This usually occurs in winter because of low sunlight.

Symptoms of SAD.

It varies from person to person and typically includes the following 

• Losing interest in activities.
• Feeling depressed most of the day.
• Low energy levels.
• Feeling hopeless or worthless.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Having difficulty concentrating.
• Having thoughts of death or suicide.

How Red Light Therapy Helps Treating SAD.

There are some chemicals in the brain. Two of them are Serotonin and Melatonin. Serotonin is the chemical used to regulate your mood and Melatonin is the chemical that makes you sleepy. Red Light Therapy helps to treat SAD by increasing the production of Serotonin and reducing the production of Melatonin. Red Light Therapy also helps to treat SAD by decreasing the effects of low sunlight with artificial light. 

The Cost of Red Light Therapy

The treatment of Red Light Therapy is not covered by insurance companies. We need to pay it from our pocket. The cost depends on the location and required treatment. The cost also depends on whether it is treated by a Health professional clinic or at home using a Red Light Therapy device. 

Red Light Therapy normally takes multiple sessions of at least 20 minutes per session from 6 weeks to a few months depending on treatments.

There are two ways to treat with Red Light Therapy. Either we prefer a health care professional’s clinic or treat at home using a high-quality Red Light Therapy device. Let’s compare which is the best feasible way to treat with Red Light Therapy.

Cost of Red Light Therapy in Clinic

It is very shocking long-term Red Light Therapy prices that are charged by the professionals (dermatologists, Radiologists, doctors, aestheticians, spas, physical therapists, etc.). Red Light Therapy treats Multiple Conditions such as Skin Related Issues, pain relief, fat loss, brain health, etc. However, the cost will vary widely depending on the required treatment and from where we received it. 

Some Clinics charge $25 to $200 for a single 15 to 20-minute session, some over $300. Some clinics may offer complimentary treatments like facials or massage. We need to consider some factors to determine the cost of Red Light Therapy.

• How long do we plan to undergo treatment?

There are different plans recommended by different clinics for the same treatment. Some clinics recommend between two or four weeks of treatment while others recommend between three to four months. Figure out how long we plan to undergo treatment. Recommended duration will heavily depend on the cost of your treatment. 

• How frequently do we want the session of Read Light Therapy Sessions?

Consistent sessions are often recommended for the best results. This is not always feasible, especially for those with busy schedules. We need to estimate the number of sessions. Some clinics recommend we book minimum sessions although we can get discount rates to purchase multiple of them. 

We also need to know if the clinic offers different rates for different session times. Normally each session requires 10 to 20 minutes. If our skin is light sensitive we might need shorter sessions to minimize the cost of treatment. 

• Any add-on services might be added or already included 

The add-on service could be worth the extra cost.  We need to know if there are add-on services available or already included in the plan. These could include treatments like micro-needling and facials, topical creams, or even vitamin supplements. 

• Insurance Cover

It is very necessary to check with your insurance provider if they cover Red Light Therapy. Most insurance providers do not cover the treatment of Red Light Therapy. Clinics offer the treatment as a medical treatment and always cost you more. That might be cost-prohibitive for many people. 

Cost of Red Light Therapy at Home

Treating at home using the Red Light Therapy device can be the batter available option as compared to the treatment in clinics. As we already know we require consistency in the treatment of Red Light Therapy. Be very realistic, only a few people will go to the professional clinic for Red Light Therapy sessions three days a week for months on end. It is not just financial but the time we will spend on traveling or in waiting areas, several times a week. 

It is hard to be consistent, especially for those who have busy schedules, and results likely won’t prompt. When we don’t see the results we start questioning whether Red Light Therapy is worth spending our cash on. Thus, the very beneficial journey of Red Light Therapy will end before it begins.

The session of Red Light Therapy at Home lasts as long as the device is turned on. We can seamlessly integrate Red Light Therapy at home even in the busiest of lives. We can use Red Light Therapy early in the Morning. This will be the best way to start the day. We can use it while we are cooking and food is simmering on the stove, and while in loads of laundering. 

We can feel the comfort of our home while using Red Light Therapy at-home devices. Plus we are not limited by the hours of operation. We have the flexibility to use at-home devices whenever we like or are convenient. We can achieve a result by treating Red Light Therapy at home comparable to what we expect from the clinics of health care professionals. To do that we need to invest in some quality devices of  Red light Therapy but it literally itself is an investment. 

Let’s compare the cost-effectiveness of some Red Light Therapy devices. 

• BIO 300 LED Light Therapy Panel

BIO 300 – R/NIR – 480NM/660NM/850NM (COMBO – RED 660NM + NIR 850NM/BLUE 480NM) best for overall body treatment and it costs just $399 one-time payment. 

According to the suggestions of clinical research Red Light Wavelengths and near-infrared Wavelengths work best delivered in tandem. This device can be switched to provide 650 nm or 850 nm and both can be used at the same time. If we are in clinic treatment and paying $25 for one session this device would pay itself only in 16 sessions. About two Months worth of Red Light Therapy.

• BIOMAX 900  a Unique Modular Full-Body Device

BIOMAX 900 is a unique modular full-body device Featuring exclusive R+ | NIR+ Advanced Spectral Output with NEW selectable Red/NIR/Blue control (Free simple Remote Included) a unique modular full-body device costs $ 1,259. 

The Spectrum of Red and Near-Infrared Wavelength is a powerful modular panel that features a five-wavelength patented for the most synergistic approach to Red Light Therapy treatment. BIOMAX 900 would pay itself in just 51 sessions as compared to the $25 per session in clinics. Compared with clinical Red Light Therapy visits that just add up, high-quality Red Light Therapy devices will pay for themselves many times over. 

Most Frequent Questions to be asked

1. Can Red Light Therapy be Beneficial for Fat Loss?

Red Light Therapy uses wavelengths that are red and non-infrared. Red Light wavelengths when bathed in the body can create positive biological effects. 

Red Light Wavelengths are directly absorbed into the skin and when it reaches the fat layers inside the body it will convert it to cellular energy and can accelerate the metabolism process of hidden fat into the cellulite. 

Red Light Therapy is the safest way to reduce fat from the body without doing any hard workouts, surgery, or liposuction.

2. How Much Time Does Red Light Therapy Needs?

Red Light Therapy is a time-consuming treatment. Immediate results may be possible but it’s likely to take some weeks or months before we see results. Patience and commitment can be sufficient to achieve significant benefits. 

3. Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

As it is a non-invasive, non-surgical, and painless treatment, this is considered very safe, however, there are some risks involved only if misused.

4. Am I Able to Utilize Red Light Therapy in My Home?

Treating at home using the Red Light Therapy device can be the batter available option as compared to the treatment in clinics. 

Conclusion

Red Light Therapy is a treatment commonly used for skin-related issues and other health benefits. Red Light Therapy can be beneficial for improving skin issues, enhancing fat burning, reducing stress and anxiety, Reducing inflammation, improving the nervous system, reducing side effects of cancer treatment, etc.

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a newly found treatment with very little research work and a small publishing study. which is why it is still controversial and needs more clinical research. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical, and painless treatment considered very safe, although there is some risk involved only if misused. Red Light Therapy (RLT) has various other terms, such as LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy ), LPLT (Low-Power Laser Therapy), and PBM (PhotoBioModulation).

Treating at home using the Red Light Therapy device can be the batter available option as compared to the treatment in clinics.

Although the disadvantages and side effects of Red Light Therapy are lower than the Benefits. However, it is recommended to visit health professionals before going through it. As Red Light Therapy is not for all, it is recommended to visit a health care professional and pay for some sessions, and then decide whether it suits or not instead of buying the device immediately and regretting it.