Sauna suits have become increasingly popular as a tool for weight loss during exercise. In fact, I’ve been using them for most of my workouts for years now and the effects go beyond losing weight.
The concept behind them is simple: by wearing a sauna suit during a workout, you can increase your body temperature and promote sweating. Once you start sweating, it can then lead to increased calorie burn and weight loss.
But the question remains: does wearing a sauna suit actually help you lose weight? Are they actually recommended to be used long-term?
The answer is not a simple yes. While sauna suits can be effective at promoting short-term water weight loss, more studies are coming out about how it can affect your metabolism and burn fat for the long-term.
But before you thinking of utilizing one, it’s important to consult with a medical professional before using a sauna suit for weight loss, especially if you have any health conditions.
Last but not least, these suits should not be relied on as a sole method of weight loss and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
Health Benefits
When it comes to weight loss, the sauna suit is a popular tool that many people use to help them shed unwanted pounds. Here are some health and weight loss benefits of wearing one during exercise:
#1. Increased Calorie Burn
Wearing a sauna suit during exercise can help you burn more calories than you would without one. This is because the sauna suit increases your body temperature, which causes your heart rate to increase and your metabolism to speed up.
As a result, you burn more calories during your workout, which can help you lose weight.
#2. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
Using a sauna suit while working out can also improve your cardiovascular health. This is because the increased heart rate and metabolism caused by the suit can help strengthen your heart and lungs.
Lastly, the sauna suit can help improve your body's ability to use oxygen, which can improve your overall fitness level.
Water Weight vs. Fat Loss
It's important to note that most of the weight you lose while wearing a sauna suit is water weight, not fat. This means that the weight you lose will likely be regained once you rehydrate.
However, wearing a sauna suit can be beneficial for fat loss if you incorporate it properly into a daily exercise and nutrition plan. By doing so, you can lose fat over the long term.
Potential Risks
When considering using a sauna suit for weight loss, it is important to understand the potential risks and considerations associated with this practice.
While sauna suits can be effective in promoting short-term water weight loss, there are several factors that you should keep in mind before using one.
#1. Dehydration and Overheating
One of the main risks associated with wearing a sauna suit is dehydration.
When you sweat excessively, you lose water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration if you do not replenish these fluids. This can be particularly dangerous if you are not drinking enough water or if you are exercising in a hot and humid environment.
In addition to dehydration, wearing a sauna suit for an extended period of time can also lead to overheating. This can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and even fainting. It is important to monitor your body temperature and take breaks as needed to avoid overheating.
#2. Impact on Blood Pressure and Heart Health
Another potential risk associated with wearing a sauna suit is its impact on blood pressure and heart health. When you wear a sauna suit, your body temperature increases, which can cause your blood vessels to dilate. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with certain health conditions.
Also, the increased heat stress on your body can also put a strain on your heart. This can be particularly risky for people with pre-existing heart conditions. It is important to consult with a medical professional before using a sauna suit, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Duration and Frequency of Use
If you’re a beginner to sauna suits, then start slowly and gradually increase the duration and frequency of sauna suit use. I recommend starting with 5-10 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity exercise while wearing the suit and gradually increasing the time by 5 minutes every 3-5 days.
It’s not recommended to wear the suit for more than 60 minutes at a time. I also suggest limiting the use of the sauna suit to no more than 2-3 times per week to avoid overuse and potential health risks.