So, we cannot know how long even small changes might last or what might happen if patients continued the treatment for years.Īnd what about the risks? Almost all of the studies did not provide any information about potential side effects of the therapy. In addition, all of the studies were short – none were more than 4 months long, and none followed up with the patients for more than a few weeks after treatment. So, even if the treatment has some benefit, which is doubtful, the benefit may not be substantial enough to be worth the time and money for the treatment. ![]() Also, the companies that make the light therapy devices provided funding to conduct the studies, which can result in overly optimistic results.ĭespite all these substantial shortcomings, the studies showed only a small benefit from the light therapy. Since the patients and clinicians know that the patient is being treated, and in most studies the patients getting treatment weren’t compared to patients getting a different treatment, this could result in a type of “placebo effect.” The placebo effect is when patients believe in a treatment and for that reason it seems to help even if the treatment isn’t actually effective. Most studies have few patients who have very similar demographics. Light therapy has been tested in clinical trials of patients, but these studies were not as scientific as they would need to be to prove safety or effectiveness. Since 2010, several devices using the same technology have been cleared for marketing in the U.S. This device is not approved by the FDA – it is “cleared for market”, which is a different process that does not require that a device be proven safe or effective. Nevertheless, in 2010, the FDA cleared a laser called Zerona, manufactured by Erchonia Medical Inc., which uses red light therapy to remove “unwanted” fat without surgical procedures. There is little scientific evidence supporting the claims that infrared light, whether administered by lamp, laser or while in a body wrap, can help people lose weight or shape their body. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In addition, patients are told that red light therapy is supposed to improve the appearance of cellulite and help shape the body. One popular device is the infrared body wrap, consisting of large silicone bandages or pads that emit infrared light around the legs, torso and arms. The patient is told to either lie down or sit in front of the light for a specific amount of time on a regular basis (usually once a day). Light therapy uses near infrared light, usually from lasers, lamps, or tanning bed-like devices. But in this article, we’re focusing on whether it works to help you look thinner. That doesn’t mean it actually works for any of those things. Infrared therapy is also suggested for pain management, jaundice, eczema, wrinkles, scars, improved blood circulation, and to help wound and burns heal faster. ![]() The latest magical way to lose weight is infrared light, also known as “red light therapy” or “low light therapy” Wouldn’t it be great if we could each shed a couple of inches off our waist without having to diet or exercise? For years, millions of Americans have tried pills, injections, “natural” herbs, and even berries that are supposed to help us shed pounds. Danielle Pavliv, Sandy Wang and Varuna Srinivasan, National Center for Health Research
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