Red light therapy stimulates your cells to produce more ATP energy, giving your body more energy to burn fat faster.
Many celebrities (along with health professionals) swear by it, yet is it really an effective solution for weight loss?
According to Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab in Los Angeles, red light therapy supports optimal skin function, making it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone, sensitive, and reactive skin.
Its ability to promote overall skin health, improve acne-related concerns, enhance collagen production, and stimulate cell regeneration makes red light therapy a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.
”The main benefits for the skin are helping the skin perform at its optimal health and function. Those with acne-prone, sensitive, and reactive skin can also benefit from the red light since it’s helping to promote overall skin health,” Joshua Ross adds.
Red Light Therapy For Weight Loss

It’s safe
Red light therapy penetrates your cells and stimulates their production of energy, helping regulate cell production, reduce inflammation and boost metabolism in order to burn more calories at rest while also encouraging muscle growth, which requires additional energy expenditure to sustain.
One study demonstrated that low-intensity red light therapy increased metabolic activity of fat cells by 35%. These findings indicate that this form of LLLT may help treat obesity, particularly belly fat, by breaking down triglycerides within fat tissue and aiding weight loss.
Studies have also indicated that low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) may help decrease insulin resistance which leads to obesity, but more long-term studies are necessary for definitive results.
If you’re curious about red light therapy as an aid for weight loss or another health issue, be sure to talk with your physician first and make an appointment – they will help select an appropriate device and plan how often its usage should occur.
It’s effective
Red light therapy (commonly referred to as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation) is an aesthetic treatment designed to sculpt your body and rid itself of stubborn fat deposits.
LED bulbs emitting red and near infrared light waves are directed toward your skin surface and the layer of fat beneath; this process allegedly breaks down membranes associated with fat cells allowing them to escape and reduce in size; after which your body’s waste disposal system removes them as waste product.
Researchers have conducted studies showing that regular treatments increase cellular energy, leading fat cells to release their stored fatty acids into the bloodstream and lead to weight loss, according to The Aesthetic Bureau. This results in noticeable weight reduction.
However, evidence supporting this claim is limited and the studies tend to be small and mixed. The best way to lose weight is through eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting sufficient sleep; adding red light therapy sessions could give your efforts an extra boost and speed up their success.
It’s convenient
Red light therapy is an easy and noninvasive way of losing fat without surgery or gym membership. It makes an effective supplement to any healthy diet or fitness plan and can help achieve modest weight loss goals more quickly.
Studies have demonstrated that when exposed to red light, fat cells have the ability to form small openings (or pores) and release fatty acids called lipids into the bloodstream – this process is known as Adipocyte Apoptosis and results in reduced volume of fat cells as well as an observable decrease in body fat.
Many people who shed unwanted fat also experience increased energy and an improvement in skin tone as their cellular energy increases, helping the body utilize food more efficiently.
Red light therapy works best when practiced daily alongside healthy living practices like dieting. Achieve lasting weight loss with this combination.
It’s affordable
Red light therapy is a noninvasive, painless body-sculpting solution that offers body-shaping benefits without risk or recovery time associated with more invasive procedures. Red light therapy makes an excellent complement to an exercise regime focused on healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and adequate restful sleep.
At each session, participants sit or lie down in front of a device emitting near infrared red light that penetrates cells and stimulates them to produce more adenosine triphosphate, commonly referred to as ATP. This added energy enables muscles to function more effectively while burning more calories while at rest.
Red light therapy may help mitigate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), especially after an intense workout, likely by increasing blood flow to muscles that need healing after exertion and stimulating metabolism of fat cells to break them down into fatty acids more quickly.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss
Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that offers potential benefits for weight loss by targeting specific areas of the body. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Reducing Fat Cell Size and Volume
Red light therapy works by reducing the size and volume of fat cells, thereby helping to shape the body contour. It has fat-burning effects that can contribute to the reduction of fat cell size.
However, it’s important to note that the results of red light therapy for weight loss are modest at best. Combining red light therapy with exercise is more effective in achieving fat reduction.
Enhancing Weight-Loss Efforts
When used alongside a whole-foods diet and exercise regimen, red light therapy may boost weight-loss efforts. It can improve athletic performance and expedite post-exercise recovery, which further benefits weight loss endeavors.
By providing a safe and non-invasive alternative, red light therapy addresses unwanted fat without the need for invasive procedures.
Potential Side Effects of Red Light Therapy for Weight Loss

Red light therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive, with patients rarely experiencing pain or discomfort. There is limited evidence of potential side effects associated with red light therapy for weight loss.
In the short-term, red light therapy is considered safe and has even been used on the head for brain disorders and on the neck for thyroid dysfunction. However, more long-term studies are necessary to comprehensively establish its safety profile. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified professional before undergoing red light therapy.
Other Benefits of Red Light Therapy
In addition to its potential for weight loss, red light therapy offers various benefits:
Improved Skin Quality: Red light therapy can enhance the texture and quality of the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with conditions like acne, sun damage, and wound healing.
Addressing Skin and Hair Concerns: From acne to wrinkles, red light therapy has shown promise in addressing a range of skin and hair concerns. By acting on the mitochondria within the body’s cells, it can promote skin repair, stimulate new cell growth, and rejuvenate the skin.
Pain Reduction: Red light therapy may provide relief from pain and help with sports performance and injury recovery.
Enhanced Cognitive Function and Sleep Quality: Red light therapy can improve cognitive function and quality of sleep by impacting the circadian rhythm, which regulates biological processes like sleep, hunger, and hormone production.
While red light therapy offers potential benefits beyond weight loss, it’s important to consider its cost and limited research in diverse populations.
For those seeking weight loss, more affordable and extensively studied methods, such as making healthy dietary and exercise modifications, remain viable options. Always consult a qualified professional before considering red light therapy or any new treatment.