I’ll be the first to admit a good sauna session can make the ol’ body feel great. Especially after a long day of work and family life. There’s nothing quite like hopping into a piping hot sauna and sweating your stress away.
We’ve covered off the health benefits of infrared and traditional steam saunas before, but the one burning question (pardon the pun) that is often asked is “does sauna really help with weight loss?”
Chances are if you’ve found our humble little blog, you’re probably curious about the answer. So, let’s dive into it.
Can I really lose weight from using a sauna?
The short answer is that saunas can help with weight loss to some extent. When you spend time in a sauna, your body heats up and begins to sweat. This process causes your heart rate to increase, which in turn can lead to burning calories and losing water weight.
In fact, some research suggests that a 30-minute sauna session can burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories. However, it’s important to note that these calories burned are mostly water weight loss and not fat.
Additionally, sauna sessions can also boost your metabolism, which helps your body burn more calories at rest. This effect can last for a short time after leaving sauna, and can contribute to overall weight loss over time, but it’s not significant.
So, should I use a sauna for my weight loss goals?
If you’re using a sauna solely for weight loss, it’s likely not the most effective strategy. Saunas should not be seen as a replacement for regular exercise and a healthy diet. While saunas can help with weight loss, they should be used as a complement to other weight loss methods rather than a standalone solution.
However, if your sauna use is part of a broader strategy, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, a sauna routine can be exceptionally helpful in your body’s relaxation and recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sauna can help with weight loss, but it’s important to keep in mind that their effects are relatively modest and not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet. It’s also important to speak with your doctor before starting any new weight loss regimen, including sauna sessions.
As always, it’s best to approach weight loss in a gradual, healthy, and sustainable way, rather than looking for a quick fix.