Weight Loss & Clinical Testing
Heat therapy benefits the body in numerous ways and one of the biggest benefits is weight loss. Many gyms and health spas include saunas as part of their amenities because of the weight loss benefit.
Clearlight Infrared® saunas were specifically clinically tested for weight loss. Binghamton University (SUNY) in New York used a Clearlight® Premier™ IS-3 for their weight loss trial with remarkable results.
How Does Sauna Weight Loss Work?
What is the difference between traditional and infrared saunas for weight loss? What does current research say about the impact of saunas on weight loss? Let’s explore these questions below.
Topics Covered:
- Sauna Studies
- Health Benefits
- Weight Loss by Sauna Type
- Toxins and Their Role in Weight Loss
Sauna Weight Loss Studies
Research at Binghamton University has shown that raising core body temperature can reduce body fat. The study demonstrated that participants who used a Clearlight® Premier IS-3 infrared sauna three times weekly for 30 minutes reduced their body fat by an average of 4% over four months. For a 175-pound person, this equates to a seven-pound weight reduction.
Participants did not alter their diet or exercise habits during the study, and those in the control group who did not use the sauna did not lose weight. These findings highlight the powerful support infrared therapy provides for weight management goals.
This study not only reinforces the benefits of My Infrared Wellness® saunas for weight loss but also emphasizes their broader health benefits.
The Broader Benefits of Sauna Weight Loss
Losing weight often requires a broader lifestyle shift rather than a single goal. The Obesity Action Coalition states that a 5-10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve health, including cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes prevention, and reduced stress.
Stress is a major, often overlooked factor in weight struggles. Elevated stress levels contribute to fat accumulation in the belly, hips, and thighs, which can lead to feeling sluggish. Stress-related weight gain often resists diet and exercise alone. By incorporating far infrared sauna sessions into a weight loss regimen, many people find a difference in both appearance and stress levels.
Weight Loss by Sauna Type
Traditional saunas offer relaxation and relief for sore muscles in a room heated to around 180-220°F. However, they primarily heat the room, not the body directly, making weight loss effects more limited compared to infrared saunas.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, heat the body directly by raising the core temperature, enhancing cardiovascular, lymphatic, and immune responses. This process produces a sweat rich in fat-based toxins, allowing the body to detoxify comfortably and effectively.
Far infrared heat has also been found to stimulate slight increases in human growth hormone (HGH) production and reduce cortisol levels, both of which can support weight loss and overall health improvement.
Toxins and Weight Loss
Excess toxins can hinder weight loss and cause fatigue, muscle discomfort, and skin reactions. In a video by Dr. Raleigh Duncan, founder of Clearlight® Sauna, he explains the connection between weight loss and toxins such as obesogens and BPA. According to Dr. Duncan, “The sauna helps release toxins first, and then fat loss follows. That’s how the entire system works.”
Using My Infrared Wellness® saunas provides an easy and relaxing approach to weight loss while delivering numerous additional health benefits.