Does sauna really help with weight loss?

Does sauna really help with weight loss? Photo: Healthshots.

What is a sauna?

Sauna, also known as steam bath, derives its name from the Finnish word meaning "to bathe." It is a therapeutic method that uses heat, sweat, and steam to cleanse.

Is sauna use good for weight loss?

Many people believe that losing water through sweating in a sauna helps with weight loss. However, this is only a short-term effect because the weight loss is due to water loss, not fat burning.

Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, an Indian bariatric surgeon, said: "Sauna therapy helps improve overall health by improving blood circulation, detoxifying, and relaxing the body. However, it's not a long-term weight loss method because the weight loss is mainly due to water loss. If you want to lose weight, you should combine it with exercise and a healthy diet."

A scientific explanation of weight loss through sauna use.

Weight loss through water loss: When the body is exposed to high temperatures, the nervous system signals the sweat glands to work to cool the body. After a sauna session, due to the loss of a significant amount of water, your weight may decrease, but this is not weight loss; it's just temporary dehydration.

Burning calories: According to Research Gate, infrared rays from an infrared sauna can burn approximately 400-600 calories in about 30 minutes. An average person can lose about 1 pound (less than 0.5 kg) in sweat after each sauna session.

Sauna use can slightly increase your heart rate, leading to more calories burned compared to resting. However, if you want long-term weight loss, simply soaking in a sauna isn't enough.

Risk of dehydration: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration. Therefore, drink plenty of water during and after your sauna session to minimize health risks.

Source: https://laodong.vn/suc-khoe/xong-hoi-co-thuc-su-giup-giam-can-1395487.ldo