Do Saunas Help You Lose Weight?

For anyone who’s ever stepped out of a sauna feeling lighter, fresher, and perhaps even a little leaner, the question naturally arises: do saunas actually help you lose weight? It’s a hot topic (quite literally) and one that continues to spark debate amongst fitness and wellness enthusiasts.

Sweating It Out. What Really Happens in a Sauna

When you sit in a traditional or infrared sauna, your body temperature rises and your heart rate increases in a similar way to light exercise. This triggers intense sweating, which can result in a temporary drop on the scales. However, this initial weight loss is almost entirely water weight, lost through perspiration. Once you rehydrate, your weight will typically return to normal.

Saunas and Calorie Burn

Although saunas are not a replacement for the gym, studies suggest that the heat stress placed on your body can lead to a modest increase in calorie expenditure. While you won’t burn fat at the same rate as you would running or lifting weights, regular sauna use can support your metabolism by mimicking the effects of light to moderate exercise.

Supporting Weight Management

Where saunas may be particularly beneficial is as a complement to a healthy lifestyle. Regular sauna sessions can:

• Improve circulation and muscle recovery, encouraging consistency with exercise routines.

• Reduce stress and promote better sleep, which are both key for weight management.

• Encourage relaxation, which can help lower cortisol levels – a hormone linked to fat storage.

The Bottom Line

So, do saunas help you lose weight? On their own, no – saunas will not melt away fat or replace a balanced diet and exercise. But as part of a holistic approach to health, sauna use can support weight management by improving recovery, boosting calorie burn slightly, and promoting overall wellbeing.

If your goal is sustainable weight loss, saunas should be seen as a valuable addition to your routine, rather than the main solution. Pair your sauna sessions with regular activity, a nutritious diet, and proper hydration for the best results.