Sitting in a sauna causes you to lose weight, but the majority of it will be water weight. The body cannot function properly in a chronically dehydrated state, thus it is important to quickly replace any lost fluid weight. However, your heart rate does somewhat increase when it's hot outside. As a result, you might be able to burn more calories when in a steam room than when at rest in a room with regular temperatures. However, this effect is slight and won't have a significant overall impact on the number of calories burned.
When it comes to weight loss treatments, doctors emphasise balance. While using a sauna on its own won't help you lose weight, doing so as part of a balanced weight loss programme may be advantageous. Let's say you have a strategy to improve your food and workout routines. The sauna can then be a useful element of a comprehensive strategy.
Other Benefits of Sauna
Detoxification
Sweating makes it possible for your body to rid itself of poisons and impurities. However, the majority of us do not perspire sufficiently during our regular activities to eliminate these hazardous compounds. Heavy metals including zinc, lead, mercury, copper, and nickel that are ingested by diet or environmental factors can also be flushed out through sweat.
The lymphatic system is cleansed during detoxification, which also helps your body burn fat more efficiently. Additionally, it expedites weight loss and gives you more energy for workouts. Studies show that the heat of the sauna increases sweating, which speeds up the removal of pollutants. It is healthful, especially if you don't routinely move or spend the entire day indoors in air conditioning set at a low temperature
Increased Metabolism
Your body works harder and your heart rate might increase by up to 30% when you are exposed to extreme heat or cold. Additionally, it increases your metabolism, which is the rate at which calories are burned.
According to experts, the extreme heat of a sauna, which is over 150 degrees, will raise your metabolic rate by about 20%. While you are in the sauna or steam room and for a few hours following, this effect will linger. Try to gradually increase your sauna time to 15-20 minutes,
According to research, it boosts your metabolism and makes it possible for you to burn more calories. Because of this, exercising in cold weather may aid in weight loss just as much as exercising in hot. Of course, you may respond better in one situation than another depending on the characteristics of your body. So it can be satisfying to spend some "me time" in the steam room.
Water Weight
Water weight loss is the sauna advantage that occurs most quickly. You will lose more water from your body reserves because of the intense heat. You can therefore drop up to 5 pounds in a single session, but the majority of the weight you lose returns when you hydrate. However, a sauna can be helpful if you need to lose a few pounds quickly. For instance, a sauna provides a sudden trim down if you need to lose a few pounds, do spot weigh-ins, or you need to squeeze into a tight outfit for an occasion.
Stress Reduction
Stress generally contributes to weight gain and makes it difficult to lose weight. Your body craves calories when you're under stress, which increases cortisol production and makes it challenging to lose weight. Research indicates that it lessens stress and lowers the body's cortisol levels. For instance, using a sauna can help you relax, release stress, and experience endorphin release. Cortisol is neutralised by the feel-good chemicals. Less stressed people are more likely to engage in healthful activities and overeat less frequently.