The rapid rise in obesity worldwide has quickly become recognised as a serious public health issue, affecting over 890 million adults as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the burden of potential diseases developing due to obesity, it is important to identify treatment measures that help improve people’s quality of life. Infrared (IR) sauna therapy is an efficient and harmless approach to addressing obesity and its effects. This article investigates how IR sauna benefits can improve the quality of life in obesity, by analysing test results conducted on obese Korean participants.
How obesity affects quality of life?
Obesity, characterised by excess body fat, is related to many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint difficulties. These conditions considerably diminish a person’s quality of life (QoL), encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Obese people frequently report a lower QoL due to physical constraints, psychological stress, and social shame.
Infrared sauna therapy: A closer look
IR saunas use infrared light to generate heat, which warms your body rather than the surrounding air. It allows deeper tissue penetration at lower temperatures, making sessions more comfortable and long-lasting. The heat produced by these saunas offers various beneficial physiological effects, including better circulation, cleansing and relaxation.
The Study: Repeated Dry Sauna Therapy and Quality of Life in Obese Korean Participants
A pioneering study published in the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome looked at how frequent dry sauna therapy affected the quality of life of obese Koreans. The participants involved 45 volunteers who underwent 15 dry sauna therapy sessions over five weeks. A standardised questionnaire was used to measure the effectiveness of the sessions on the participants’ QoL.
- Participants reported significant improvements in physical aspects including weight loss, BMI, and waist circumference.
- The results showed benefits to the participants’ mental health like lower stress levels, induced by IR saunas’ relaxing effects. This reduces cortisol levels and promotes endorphin production in the body.
- Participants reported that improved physical and mental health allowed them to make more social relationships and participate in social activities.
The Science of IR Sauna Benefits
Detoxification: Sweating caused by IR treatment sessions helps eliminate toxins from the body, relieving pressure on the liver and kidneys and improving general health. This detoxification process can be especially advantageous for those suffering from the condition, as they may have more toxins accumulated in their fat cells.
Improved Circulation: IR sauna therapy increases vasodilation, which boosts blood flow and circulation. Improved circulation promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues while eliminating waste. Increased blood flow can also help reduce inflammation and facilitate healing, which is especially important for people suffering from obesity-related health problems.
Metabolic Boost: Regular IR sauna sessions can increase metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories and aid in weight management. Combining infrared sauna therapy with a good diet and exercise program can help those suffering from obesity to facilitate measures of weight loss.
Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is a significant contributor to obesity. IR sauna reduces stress by inducing relaxation and lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Reduced stress can help avoid stress-related eating habits and improve overall mental health.
Taking the next step
To learn more about IR sauna benefits, consider purchasing a high-quality sauna from Sun Stream Saunas New Zealand. Our saunas are designed to provide maximum health benefits, allowing you to live a better, happier lifestyle. Contact us and begin your journey to improved health now.