Infrared saunas will cause you to lose weight for a short amount of time. Unfortunately, this weight loss will not effect the amount of fat on your body, the amount of muscle or the level of your physical fitness. Infrared saunas have a few benefits, but increased fitness is not one of them.
Benefits
Infrared saunas are a good method for relaxation after a stressful day or workout. Infrared saunas reduce the tension in your muscles and helps your body sweat out a number of toxic substances through your sweat glands. This is the limit of the benefits of an infrared sauna.
Weight Loss
Infrared sauna weight loss is due to perspiration. When the heat in the sauna cause you to sweat out a variety of toxins, a considerable amount of fluid is lost as well. This fluid loss is what causes the weight loss. The heat does not increase the speed of your metabolism nor does it decrease the amount of adipose, or fat, tissue you possess.
Dangers
Infrared saunas do not increase the activity of your metabolism, but they do increase your chances for health problems. Prolonged sessions in saunas leave you at risk for heat stroke, burns and dehydration. If you frequently sit in saunas for weight loss you are risking potential serious complications. These complications include brain swelling, hypovolemic shock, low blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular problems.
Conclusion
Infrared saunas should not be used for weight loss. They are ineffective and dangerous if used for this reason. If used for this reason they can have fatal consequences.They should be used for relaxation only. The only proven non-medical weight loss methods are diet and exercise.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (16th edition)"; Lawrence Madoff et al; 2005
- "Dermatology and Venerology"; S.T.Pavlolv, O.K.Shaposhnikov, V.I.Samcov, I.I.Ilyin and K.R. Babayan; 2002
- Harvard Health: Saunas and Weight Loss
Member Comments