Written by Christopher Kiggins

Weight loss is the second most popular topic (after detoxification) that people ask about when researching infrared saunas. I was very skeptical in that there are so many websites and sketchy saunas that advertise “30 minutes in an infrared sauna burns 600 calories!” claims, which, of course, are baseless. The process is subtle and you still have to make healthy dietary choices for maximum effect, but weight loss will happen over time with regular infrared sauna use.

Let’s get into how this works:

In order for you to sweat, your heart is forced to pump at a faster rate. When your heart beats per minute rise, your blood vessels begin to vasodilate, allowing for more blood to be pumped more quickly through the vessels and capillaries underneath your skin. As more oxygenated blood is pumped through your body, your body will begin to burn more stored energy. This is your metabolism being boosted by using an infrared sauna

Your metabolic rate is directly tied to cardiovascular exercise

Moreover, the rise in metabolic rate is sustained over long periods of time after any workout, including taking an infrared sauna. If you do this over the span of days, weeks and even months, you will lose weight.

But allow the facts to speak for themselves:

A study at Binghampton University, performed by Dr. Kenneth Mcleod, professor of bioengineering, showed conclusively that using True Wave II combination carbon and ceramic heaters in a Clearlight Sauna three times a week can eliminate an average of four percent body fat over a four-month period. For a 175 pound man, that represents a seven-pound reduction. The participants in the study did not change their diet or exercise patterns. The control group in the study showed no weight loss over the 16 month period.

The hypothesis was that increasing core body temperature caused an increase in human growth hormone production which in turn helped to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. When the human growth hormone in the body was increased it helped to improve body composition, increased bone mass, muscle mass and assisted in decreasing fat stores.

Phase One (16 week study):

Participants were exposed 3 times per week to an infrared sauna at 110 degrees for 45 minutes at a time for 16 weeks. Compliance ranged from a low of 12 sessions completed to 45 sessions.

Findings: Participants who had high compliance (used the sauna regularly) had a greater loss in body fat. Participants measured up to a 4 percent drop in body fat over the four months. However, those that came in late in the day or evening lost significantly more body fat than those using the sauna in the morning. The change in body fat was confirmed by measurements of serum glucose levels.

The hypothesis was that increasing core body temperature elevated human growth hormone production increasing serum glucose levels, which the study confirmed. In addition, the Binghampton scientists observed that the higher the core body temperature reached, the larger the decrease in body fat, also consistent with the HGH hypothesis.

Phase Two (8 week study): Participants were exposed 5 times per week to an infrared sauna at 110 degrees for 30 minutes after 3 pm. On average, the study subjects lost about 0.25% body fat per week totaling approximately 4% over 8 weeks. This resulted in approximately twice the rate of fat loss as compared to Phase 1 (8 weeks vs. 16 weeks). A control population was used in Phase Two of the study, and the body fat of the control group did not change over the 8 week study.

I am glad infrared saunas have developed the way they have, because I couldn’t imagine my life without the benefits they provide, like deep sleep, lower blood pressure, less joint pain, weight loss, and a boosted immune system. Here at SaunaCloud I sell saunas that are some of the best history has offered. My far infrared saunas use advanced ceramic-carbon combination heaters for an amazing sauna experience. For more information on how SaunaCloud’s infrared saunas work and how they can improve your health, download my book The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas. Just give us a call at SaunaCloud 1.800.370.0820.

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Picture of Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

I have been writing, learning, educating and generally pointing people in the right direction infrared sauna wise since 2012. Let me know how I can help: chris@saunacloud.com - (530) 417-1220