Does Red Light Therapy Work For Weight Loss?

Red light therapy is a complementary treatment that uses low-level light to help promote healing and wellness. It is also known as photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, and light box therapy.

Red light therapy is being studied for skin problems and some kinds of pain, though for most uses the evidence is still thin. It is also marketed for weight loss, a claim the research does not support.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

During red light therapy, the patient is exposed to a low-level light, typically given off by a lightbox or a laser. This light is believed to help stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body. ATP is your body’s energy currency and is responsible for fueling almost every cellular process.

In theory, more ATP helps cells work and repair themselves. Some studies suggest it may also boost collagen in the skin, though many of these studies were small.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Claimed benefits include less inflammation and pain, faster wound healing and better skin texture. According to Cleveland Clinic, there’s not enough evidence to support most uses yet.

The strongest early evidence is for some skin uses, such as wrinkles and acne. Many published studies included only a small number of people.

Red Light Therapy and Weight Loss

does red light therapy work for weight loss

Red light therapy is often marketed for weight loss, fat burning and body contouring. Cleveland Clinic states there’s no scientific evidence to support its use for weight loss.

Some clinics advertise small, short-term changes in waist measurements, but that is not the same as losing body fat or weight. It is not a substitute for a healthy diet, physical activity or medical treatment for obesity.

Risks and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

Used short-term and as directed, red light therapy appears to be safe. Misuse can damage the skin or eyes, especially if your eyes aren’t protected.

The long-term safety of red light devices isn’t yet known. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Who Should Not Use Red Light Therapy?

Ask a doctor or dermatologist before trying red light therapy if you have a skin condition, a history of skin cancer or an eye condition.

The same goes if you take medicines that make your skin sensitive to light.

How to Prepare for Red Light Therapy

red light therapy for weight loss

Before you start, read the device or clinic instructions. The light needs to reach bare skin, so the treated area should be bare.

Wear the eye protection provided, and don’t look directly into the light.

How to Get the Most Out of Red Light Therapy

If you use red light therapy for a skin or pain concern, follow the device or provider instructions on session length and frequency.

For weight loss, put your time and money into what works: a healthy eating pattern, regular activity, good sleep and, when needed, medical treatment.

What Else Can Red Light Therapy Help With?

Researchers are studying red light therapy for skin aging, acne, hair loss, wound healing and some kinds of pain.

Results so far are mixed, and more research is needed.

Conclusion

Red light therapy is a popular treatment, but there’s no good evidence that it helps with weight loss. It may have a role for some skin problems.

If you want to lose weight, talk to your doctor about proven options.

FAQs

Is red light therapy safe?

Used short-term and as directed, red light therapy appears to be safe. Misuse can damage the skin or eyes, so protect your eyes and follow the device instructions.

Its long-term safety isn’t yet known.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

There is some early evidence for skin uses such as wrinkles, acne and wound healing, and for certain types of pain.

For most other uses there isn’t enough evidence yet, and many studies were small.

Does red light therapy help with weight loss?

There’s no good scientific evidence that red light therapy causes weight loss.

It should not be used in place of a healthy diet, physical activity or medical treatment for obesity. Lasting weight loss comes from those habits.

Who should not use red light therapy?

Ask a doctor or dermatologist first if you have a skin condition, a history of skin cancer, an eye condition, or take medicines that make you sensitive to light.

What else can red light therapy help with?

Red light therapy is not proven for weight loss. Researchers are studying it for skin aging, acne, hair loss, wound healing and some kinds of pain.