The idea of fat-burning is one of the many topics talked about in Perth. Many fitness experts would mention the involvement of diet and exercise in successfully achieving it. However, others claim that fat can be burned by just heat, and there is no need to go through a strict diet and do strenuous activities. But, is it really true? If so, is it even safe? Let’s find out below if we can burn fat with heat.
Does Heat Burn Fat?
Limitless compiled multiple studies wherein different methods of applying heat are used to find out if any of them did burn fat. Some of these studies have shown significant differences in the amount of belly fat after applying heat. However, further observations made them conclude that heat does not generally burn fat, like those in the belly. Let’s take a look at how these studies turned out.
Does Heat from Sauna Burn Fat?
A study was made in a heated environment wherein 674 participants went through two 10-minute dry sauna sessions. After it, it was found that overweight and obese participants lost less weight compared to those with a normal BMI (Body Mass Index) who were found to have lost the most weight. However, as soon as they are rehydrated, they get their previous weights back. So it may be concluded that the sauna was only effective in losing weight (which may have involved losing fat) at a certain time.
Why are Saunas Considered to Burn Fat?
The heat from saunas has been thought to be an effective way of burning fat for a long time now. However, this is not the case, as heat from the sauna may only cause the heart to race and the skin to sweat. When this happens, the number of calories being burned may slightly increase temporarily, but this does not mean an effective weight loss is achieved.
Does Heat from Heat Belts Burn Fat?
Another popular burning fat “tool” is a heat belt which is an electrical muscle stimulation device. However, this is not supported by a 2002 study wherein participants concluded that heat belts did not reduce their belly fat at all. It did not increase the participants’ muscle strength, decrease weight, or tone their abdominal area.
Why are Heat Belts Considered to Burn Fat?
Heat belts perform electrical simulations that manufacturers claim to lead to fat loss since the abdominal muscles contract and heat up.
Does Heat from heat-generating Cells Burn Fat?
Surprisingly, heat-generating cells were released and were claimed to be effective in fat-burning. In one of the Ohio State University’s research, the heat-generating cells injected mice were found to lose about 20% of their abdominal fat. However, no further studies were made to support that these were effective and safe for humans.
Does Heat from a Red-Light Therapy Burn Fat?
Studies claim that the heat from red-light therapy was effective in losing fat in the belly and thighs. However, most of these studies did not involve two different groups wherein one just used the red-light therapy and the other used it aside from maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. Therefore, it may not be difficult to tell if using red-light therapy alone is effective in burning fat.
Why is Red-Light Therapy Considered to Burn Fat?
In red-light therapy, there is a release of red and near-infrared light of appropriate wavelengths. These affect the mitochondria inside fat cells and increase their glucose oxidation. When this happens, the fat cells are being burned faster through calories. Burning more calories may aid in losing weight more quickly.
Does Heat from the Sun Burn Fat?
It is known that getting sunlight is beneficial to the body and health. In addition, it was found that the sunlight helps in burning more fat. This study was mentioned in Live Strong wherein it was concluded that the sun’s blue light wavelengths were able to help shrink white fat cells located just beneath the skin’s surface.
Why is Sunlight Considered to Burn Fat?
In the same research, fat cells in people with Type 1 Diabetes were genetically engineered to produce insulin when exposed to sunlight. These patients were exposed to the sun and it was discovered that the lipid droplets in the fat cells under the skin were shrunk and caused these cells to store less fat. So it may be concluded that sunbathing or going outdoors may just give you the tan you need and help you lose some fat.
Is Sunbathing an Option in Burning Fat Regularly?
The researchers in the above-mentioned sunlight study also noted that more studies need to be done to further support their findings. Especially since the intensity or duration of exposure to the sun to achieve fat loss was not identified. However, going for a sunbath may be done for its other known benefits.
What are the Benefits of Sunbathing?
According to Healthline, the benefits of sunbathing are:
- Reduced depression.Â
- Improved sleep.
- Stronger bones.
- Better immune system.
These are the benefits of Vitamin D which our body naturally makes after being exposed to the sun.
How Long Can Sunbathing be Done?
The National Library of Medicine suggests going for 5-10 minutes of sunbathing without sunscreen. If you don’t have existing complications with sun exposure, it may be as long as 20 minutes each day. Sun exposure longer than these suggested times in an attempt to burn fat with heat is not recommended as it may lead to harmful effects.
Harmful Effects of Too Much Sun Exposure
Too much sun exposure is not good as it may lead to:
- Dehydration.
- Heat rashes.
- Sunburns.
- Heat Stroke.
- Hyperthermia.
- Skin Cancer.
The first few effects may be treated with first aid. While others like heat stroke, hyperthermia, and skin cancer may impose more risk on a person’s life.
First Aid for the Effects of Too Much Heat Exposure
Since it has been found that fat is burned with heat from the sun, going sunbathing or being outdoors may be done more often. Especially by those wanting to get rid of fat in their bodies. Even though being exposed to the sun is safe for a limited time, experiencing its harmful effects may not be avoided. Therefore, knowing what to do during those times may be helpful so you are ready whenever it happens to you or someone else. The following first aid tips may help and enroll in a first aid course at 123C Colin St West Perth 6005 will help you know how to do them in actual scenarios.
First Aid for Dehydration
The first aid practices when dealing with dehydration are:
- Reassuring the person and helping them sit down.
- Give them water which may be made using an oral rehydration solution.
- Stretch and massage the part/s in their body where painful cramps are felt.
Monitor their level of response and call 000 if they don’t seem to feel better.
First Aid for Heat Rashes
To treat heat rashes, the following first aid steps may be done:
- Application of an ice pack for up to 10 minutes
- Changing clothes that are preferably made of cotton, as this type does not trap the heat as much as synthetic fibres.
- Application of further treatment if needed such as a calamine lotion or antihistamine.
When rashes start to appear, it is advised to avoid exposure to excessive heat like the sun, fire, or heater.
First Aid for Sunburns
Burns like sunburns may be applied with the following first aid response:
- Cooling the skin.
- Applying a moisturizer, lotion, or gel.
- Leaving blisters alone.
- Applying a soothed medicated cream.
Exposure to heat like sunlight is also discouraged.
First Aid for Heat Stroke
The first aid treatment for heat stroke includes:
- Sponging the person with cool water.
- Fanning the person while misting with cool water.
- Placing ice packs or cool wet towels on the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Covering the person with cool damp sheets.
The same first aid steps may be followed for treating hyperthermia.
Conclusion
You can burn fat with heat, and studies show that it is possible with red-light therapy and exposure to the sun. However, more studies are encouraged to be done to further identify if these methods alone are effective. Doing any of these may be done, but precautions must be remembered since too much exposure to heat is also bad. In addition, knowing the first aid responses when these occur may also help.
