Red light therapy (RLT) has gained traction in recent years as a non-invasive treatment option for various health concerns, including skin health, pain relief, and even targeted fat loss.
Many are turning to red light therapy as an aid in their weight loss journey due to its potential to reduce fat, boost metabolism, and enhance body contouring without surgery or medications.
But a common question arises: how often should you do red light therapy for weight loss? In this article, we will explore the science behind red light therapy for weight loss, the optimal frequency for treatments, and how long it takes to see results from this therapy, so let’s get started.
How Red Light Therapy Works for Weight Loss?
Red light therapy (RLT) involves exposing the body to low wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. This light penetrates deep into the skin and interacts with cells, specifically the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of the cell.
These interactions are believed to increase cellular activity and improve energy production, leading to various health benefits.
When it comes to weight loss, RLT is thought to work through several mechanisms:
Reduction of Fat Cell Size
Red light therapy stimulates fat cells. This causes them to break down and release fatty acids, which are then processed and eliminated by the body. This reduces the size of the fat cells naturally, thus, reducing the overall level of fat in the body.
Enhanced Metabolism
Red light therapy is believed to boost metabolism by stimulating the mitochondria in cells. This helps the body burn more calories and fat efficiently.
Improved Circulation
RLT can increase blood flow and oxygenation. This may help transport nutrients to cells more effectively and enhance the body’s fat-burning capabilities.
Decreased Inflammation
By reducing inflammation in the body, red light therapy can aid in better recovery after exercise. This contributes to an overall healthier metabolic state.
Additional research is neededĀ on red light therapy to understand how it affects the fat cells in the body and how it helps with non-surgical fat reduction. For now, it’s good enough to know that you could potentially use red light therapy to help with your weight loss goals in addition to taking care of all basic health habits. Here are some examples.
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding being sedentary
- Avoiding or reducing intake of fatty foods, especially fast food
- Proper hydration
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss?
The frequency of red light therapy sessions for weight loss depends on several factors. Some of these are:
- The type of device
- The severity of your weight loss goals
- How your body responds to the treatment
Here are general guidelines for how often to use red light therapy to support weight loss.
1. Initial Phase: 3Ā Sessions Per Week
When starting red light therapy for weight loss, the treatment should be done a maximum of 3 times a week (that is 3 times per 7-day week). Do not believe anyone who says that treatment should be done every day or every other day in the beginning.
This is because when red light is used, fat cells are open for 72 hours. This means you should be doing treatment every 3 days.
Consistent, frequent use helps jumpstart the process by allowing your body to get used to the treatment and begin metabolizing fat more efficiently.
- Frequency: 3 times per week
- Duration: 10-20 minutes per session on targeted areas (such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms)
- Length of Initial Phase: 4-6 weeks
During this initial phase, the goal is to encourage fat cells to release stored fat and boost your body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate it. The more consistent you are in the early stages, the quicker you are likely to see results.
2. Maintenance Phase: 2 Sessions Per Week
After the initial phase, you can reduce the frequency of your sessions to 2 times per week. By this point, your body will have adjusted to the therapy, and regular use will help maintain fat loss and continue to promote metabolism without overstimulating your cells.
If you are doing red light therapy for skin or pain treatments, then the treatments can be more frequent (speak to your red light therapist about this).
- Frequency: 2 times per week (for weight loss)
- Duration: 15-30 minutes per session, depending on the area being treated
- Length of Maintenance Phase: Ongoing for long-term weight loss or body contouring
In the maintenance phase, you should continue seeing gradual improvements. This phase is more about sustaining fat loss while continuing to support healthy metabolism and recovery from workouts.
This long-term schedule helps keep your metabolism elevated while preventing the reaccumulation of fat. It’s especially useful for people using red light therapy as part of their post-weight loss regimen to maintain results and support overall body health.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
You will see results immediately from the first session itself. For example, at Contours, our clients have recently lost in excess of 3 inches in the first session!
These dramatic results are possible because of the professional-grade devices foundĀ in clinics or spas. They typically have stronger wavelengths and may require fewer sessions than lower-powered home devices.
It’s important to remember that red light therapy is not a quick fix but rather a long-term, supportive treatment that enhances other healthy weight loss efforts. To maximize your results, pair your sessions with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other weight loss strategies.
Be patient and you will surely see the results you desire.
Use Red Light Therapy for Body Contouring and More
You might have tried all the methods out there to get into shape, but everything failed. Now here’s a solution to your problem – red light therapy.
At Contours, we use red light therapy to specifically target fat loss and problem areas. Our custom fat loss package is designed for each person, so you can achieve your desired outcomes with no downtime.
Ready to give it a go? Schedule a free consultation with our team today in Franklin, TN, and start seeing the change you desire.
