People are curious whether red light therapy truly works for weight loss and how it works. Many experiments today show that red light therapy can stimulate metabolism to achieve the goal of fat reduction in a non-invasive method.[1] In fact, red light therapy is becoming a popular method for weight loss, body contouring[2], reducing cellulite[3], and improving skin.

Compared with traditional diet way alone in the past, red light therapy is a scientific and effective way to lose weight without suffering hunger and pain. In this article, we will guide you on how to combine red light therapy according to clinical research to help you achieve the goal of weight loss and body shaping.

*Based on a study: Efficacy of low-level laser therapy for body contouring and spot fat reduction.

Before that, I want you to know about the science behind red light therapy and why it can help you lose weight.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser light therapy(LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy(PBM/PBMT), is a non-invasive and non-thermal method to accomplish some health goals like enhancing exercise performance or losing weight. [4]

Red light therapy was frequently mentioned in thousands of medical or clinical research, involving many medical indications such as acute pain, chronic inflammation, hair loss, acne, burn injury, muscle injury, exercise performance, etc.

How does red light therapy work for weight loss?

Much research has proven that red light therapy is safe and effective when applied to weight loss.

A study examined the effectiveness and mechanism by which 635–680 nm LLLT acts as a non-invasive body contouring intervention method. The researchers randomly divided 40 subjects into two groups and conducted a 4-week controlled experiment. It was found that the experimental group using LLLT had a significant reduction in waist circumference.[5]

There are many studies that have found that red light therapy is helpful in different ways for weight loss.

Burning Fat:

An article published on Lasers in Medical Science stated that using red wavelength 660nm can help in weight loss. The group with a higher density even shows an improvement in the waist[7]. This research validated that the red laser treatment led to lipolysis and did not affect the liver.

Promoting Metabolism:

Red light therapy may also help to promote metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy. By stimulating the mitochondria in the cells releasing ATP, red light therapy may help to increase the body's metabolic rate, which may lead to an increase in calorie burning.[8]

Controlling Appetite:

A study published in the journal "Appetite" found that exposure to red light for 30 minutes before a meal decreased hunger and increased feelings of fullness in overweight women. The researchers suggested that the red light may have a suppressive effect on appetite regulation, which may help to reduce cravings and promote weight loss.[9]

Regulating Hormone Levels:

Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and cortisol can all affect weight gain or loss, and red light therapy has been shown to have an effect on these hormones. The improvement of insulin resistance can also lead to the success of weight control. A 2022 study mainly gives a review on the relationship between photobiomodulation therapy and insulin resistance.[10] 

How to lose weight with red light therapy?

We know that red light therapy is safe and effective for weight loss. It is so effective in body contouring, we should definitely give it a go, right? 

But clinics are too far away, and the treatment might cost a lot of time and a fortune. Using red light therapy at home, you don't need to waste a lot of time and money going to clinics or salons, it is absolutely a more economical solution.

Normally, a red light treatment salon costs about $200, and for the same price, you can purchase a red light therapy wrap and use it at home anytime. Oh, that's a lot of money that can be saved!

But how to use red light therapy weight loss at home? We combined the opinions of health experts to come up with the following recommendations for you.

1. Get the best red light therapy device

Facing the dazzling red light therapy for weight loss on the market, what is the best device? Based on the following key pionts.

· Wavelength:

As mentioned above, 660nm is the most suitable wavelength of red light for weight loss. Most red light therapy devices on the market can meet this requirement. However, Scienlodic has more wavelengths (660&850nm), the mixed mode of near-infrared light and red light can give you more benefits, such as improving skin and relieving pain.

· FDA approved:

It means that the device has undergone rigorous testing and has been found to be safe and effective for use. FDA approved red light therapy devices allow you to use them at home with guarantee.

· Low EMF:

A good device should emit very low levels of EMF, ensuring that you are not exposed to harmful radiation. Scienlodic products have been measured to 0 EMF, which means they will not have any adverse effects on your skin and health.

· Suitable device:

If you want to lose weight better, you should choose a wearable red light product helping it act on your belly or thigh fat. According to different sizes and needs, we provide three types of wearable products: pad, wrap and belt. Instead of self-promoting, let’s see what our customers said:

If you want a full-body health effect, go with Scienlodic Red Light Therapy Panel. Full-body coverage is perfect for body contouring. With full-body red light panels, you can even reduce SPA visits and save more money to achieve the same results.

This table can help you understand the differences between our red light therapy devices.

2. Start your red light therapy plan for weight loss 

With a red light therapy device at home, you can start weight loss plan now! Here's what you need to know:

· How to use my red light device?

To use a red light therapy pad or wrap, simply lie on it or wrap it around the desired area of your body, allowing it to adhere to your skin.

If you use the red light therapy panel, all you need to do is press the start button, stand still or lie down quietly in your room and let the red light do its work.

· How long and how often should I use red light therapy?

Sessions can range from 15-20 minutes a day or more, once every two days. If you are using a red light therapy panel, it’s better to extend it to 20-30 minutes.

· How much weight I can lose with red light therapy?

The amount of weight you can lose with red light therapy may vary depending on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, diet, exercise routine, and other lifestyle factors. 

· How long does red light take to see results?

Do this for two to six weeks and you'll see the change soon.

3. Combine with a healthy lifestyle

We recommend that you combine a healthy diet and exercise routine into your weight loss plan for optimal results.

· Have regular exercise:

Red light therapy plus exercise training can have a better chance of losing body weight. So it will be best if we keep exercising.

· Keep a healthy diet: 

Obviously, diet is another important factor in the way of controlling weight. In most cases, having more vegetables and protein will be a good option. Be careful not to ingest too much sugar.

· Sufficient sleep: 

Getting enough restful sleep is important for mental and physical health, which can help us lose weight better. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

· Stress management: 

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and promote well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is red light therapy the same as infrared light therapy?

Red light therapy and infrared light therapy are similar in that they both use light to provide therapeutic benefits, but they use different wavelengths of light and have slightly different mechanisms of action.

When is the best time to do red light therapy?

Red light therapy can be done at any time of the day. It is recommended to start in morning or evening around the time of sunrise or sunset. This makes you feel like you're receiving natural light.

Can I do red light therapy everyday?

Yes, you can do red light therapy every day. If you have chronic pain, it's recommended to do for that.

Subscribe to our newsletter or check out our blogs to learn more about red light therapy.