LIMITED TIME OFFER SPRINGsale

LIMITED TIME OFFER SAVE UP TO 95% OFF ED MEDS & PAY $1 PER TABLET.

Rex MD Logo
Explore Treatments

Can Saunas Help with Weight Loss?

Published: 2025-02-05
Updated: 2025-02-06
4 mins

You may have first seen a sauna in a gym or during a trip overseas. Saunas are a Finnish post-workout ritual many people engage in to recover from a workout.

Health experts have found possible evidence of weight loss, detoxification, and immune function benefits from saunas. While the potential benefits are promising, more research is needed to verify these claims.

Looking to shed some pounds?

Find out if you're eligible for GLP-1s and get started on your weight loss journey.

Get Started
Weight Image

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small room heated to 150 to 195 °F (65 to 90 degrees Celsius). It’s a type of thermotherapy (heat therapy) that elevates body temperature and activates the nervous system. Most saunas are heated with wood, infrared light, or electrical temperature controls. 

The traditional Finnish sauna is often referred to as a “dry sauna.” The temperature can be adjusted by sprinkling water on rocks to give off and absorb heat in the room. Saunas have been commonly used by athletes to help with athletic performance and endurance after an intense workout.

How Do You Use a Sauna?

After a workout, it’s recommended to shower before you enter the sauna. Because of the heat, most saunas require people to only wear a towel, bathing suit, or nothing at all depending on the facility. Either way, it’s best practice to bring a towel to cover the bench before you sit down.

Can Saunas Affect Weight Loss?

While in a sauna room, heart rate and blood flow increase as if a person were engaging in a mild to high-intensity workout. However, going into a sauna won’t cause drastic changes in weight on its own.

Studies have found that saunas can improve body composition in men with obesity who use saunas frequently over time. A small portion of body mass is shed from sweating in a sauna. However, weight loss results are heavily reliant on other factors like diet and exercise. 

What are Other Possible Health Benefits of a Sauna?

A traditional sauna has several possible health benefits ranging from cardiovascular health to neurological benefits. 

One study found that frequent saunas may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in men. Participants in the study had between two to seven sauna visits a week. 

Other possible health benefits of a sauna may include:

Besides the physical health benefits, saunas are quiet environments designed to help people decompress and relax. Those with depression or other mental health conditions may benefit from the quiet, stress-free environment of a sauna. 

Still, more research is needed to know how effective saunas are on overall health. 

What are the Risks Associated with Using a Sauna?

People typically stay in a sauna room for five to 20 minutes. Health experts do not recommend staying in a sauna room for too long. 

Humidity and dry heat in a sauna room can lead to dehydration. Saunas can also cause water loss through sweat. Some facilities may recommend drinking 1 to two glasses of water before entering the sauna.

Many saunas also have showers or pools nearby to allow your body to cool off. It’s important to listen closely to your body. Be sure to take a break and drink water if you ever feel lightheaded or dizzy while sitting in a sauna.

How Rex MD Can Help

The Rex MD Weight Management Program may be able to help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

If you qualify, you’ll gain access to other weight loss options like prescriptions for groundbreaking GLP-1 medications.  LifeMD offers compounded semaglutide along with clinical oversight, metabolic testing, and ongoing support from licensed healthcare providers to improve your overall health.

Get started today with feeling like the best version of yourself.

More Articles Like this

Why Do Men Experience a Round Face After Weight Loss?

Still not seeing the face you want after weight loss? Discover the impact of weight loss on the face, and what you can do to prevent a round or gaunt face after shedding pounds.

April 16, 2025

What’s the Ideal Weight for Men?

Curious about the ideal weight for men? Learn how height, age, and body composition impact healthy weight ranges, and explore tools like BMI, height-weight charts, and the Hamwi formula.

April 16, 2025

Do Men Lose Weight Faster than Women?

Do men really lose weight faster than women? Discover the biological factors that impact weight loss in men and women.

April 16, 2025

Compounded vs. Brand-Name GLP-1 Medications: What’s the Difference?

Discover the key difference between compounded and branded GLP-1 medications, including up-to-date information about their availability and safety.

April 09, 2025

How Much Does Semaglutide Cost? A Detailed Breakdown

Discover the cost of semaglutide, including pricing for brand-name and compounded versions, insurance coverage, and savings options.

April 09, 2025

Do HIIT Workouts Support Weight Loss?

Learn how HIIT workouts can help you achieve weight loss goals. Discover the benefits, best exercises, and how to create an effective HIIT routine tailored to your fitness level.

March 30, 2025

The Role of Dopamine in Weight Loss and Cravings

Learn more about the benefits and essential role the neurotransmitter dopamine plays in weight loss beyond activating pleasure and reward systems in the brain.

March 25, 2025

10 Tips for Meal Prepping for Weight Loss

Losing weight is about more than just eating fewer calories. Discover how being more intentional with your meal prep could help you meet your weight loss goals.

March 18, 2025

Need to Get Active? Steps to Change Your Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting around all day in an office can gradually affect your health. Learn more about the health risks to look out for if you have a more sedentary lifestyle.

March 18, 2025

Does Yoga Have Weight Loss Benefits?

Struggling with finding an exercise routine that works for you? Yoga is an exercise that may help you meet your weight loss goals and find a new community.

March 16, 2025
Back to top