Low-level laser therapy for weight reduction: a randomized pilot study

Abstract

Obesity and overweight is a global health crisis and novel methods of treatment are needed to address it. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a currently available non-invasive procedure for lysing excess fat, but there is a lack of consensus exists on LLLT frequency and limited research from studies of LLLT. The purpose of this pilot study is to compare the effect of three of the most common LLLT frequencies on weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and quality of life. Sixty overweight (body mass index (BMI) 25-29.9 kg/m 2 ) adult participants were randomized to 12 LLLT treatments: (1) three times weekly for 4 weeks, (2) twice weekly for 6 weeks, or (3) once weekly for 12 weeks. All participants attended an in-person visit at baseline and at weeks 4, 6, 12, and 26. Participants were recruited September 30, 2016 through to August 27, 2017. The majority of the 60 participants were female (90%) with an average age of 43.7 years (± 9.2 years). Most participants (98%) completed 10 or more of the 12 LLLT treatments. When comparing across treatment groups, the greatest reductions from baseline were observed in those assigned to twice weekly for 6 weeks in weight (1 ± 1.7 (±SD) kg by week 6), waist circumference (− 2.0 ± 3.2 in. by week 6 and − 1.5 ± 3.2 in. by week 26), body mass index (− 0.4 ± 0.6 kg/m 2 ), and body fat mass (− 1.1 ± 1.6 kg). This group also had the most significant improvement from baseline in quality of life (+ 0.5 ± 0.8 by week 6), body satisfaction (+ 0.2 ± 0.4 by week 6 and week 26), and body appreciation (+ 0.2 ± 0.3 by week 6 and + 0.3 ± 0.3 by week 26). LLLT twice weekly for 6 weeks could be proposed as the optimal frequency and duration for the management of body weight. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ct2/show/NCT02877004. Registered August 24, 2016.

Insulin resistance is improved in high‐fat fed mice by photobiomodulation therapy at 630 nm

“…Furthermore, our group showed that 4 weeks of PBMT (780 nm, 0.4 J/point, applied on quadriceps, upper hindlimbs and center of abdomen) reduced epididymal and mesenteric adipocyte F I G U R E 3 (Continued) area. Interestingly, there are many evidences in human studies showing that PBMT is effective in reducing body fat [65][66][67][76][77][78][79][80]. Together, the present results and the available literature suggest that PBMT might be used to reduce adiposity.…”

Study protocol for the use of photobiomodulation with red or infrared LED on waist circumference reduction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial

“…However, there is no comparison available regarding the best wavelength for this purpose. 18–22 28 Based on the localisation of fat tissue (more profound when compared with epidermis and dermis), this study will choose red and infrared light for the comparisons. The use of the same dosimetry, at these different wavelengths, will allow for the evaluation of the most suitable wavelength for body contouring.…”

“…This was in terms of improving the patients' quality of life and body satisfaction, as well as their weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and body fat mass reduction. 18 However, more studies are needed, in order to standardise the wavelength, the dosimetry and the application time, as well as the durability of the results achieved.…”

“…Some other studies have shown that PBM can be used in body contouring. 18–22 Sadly, there is no standardisation of the protocol. The treatments vary in terms of the number of sessions (6–28), their frequency (1–3 times per week) and wavelength (532 nm, 635 nm, 660 nm, 1060 nm), while other dosimetry information, such as irradiance (W/cm 2 ) and radiant exposure (J/cm 2 ), are frequently not mentioned.…”

Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Glycemic and Lipid Profiles In Vitro

“…4 A research group reported a positive impact of PBMT on overweight individuals after six weeks of laser treatment when tested twice weekly. 26 In rats, PBMT was shown to cause a reduction in triglyceride levels, 27 suggesting a different mechanism of action than in the in vitro model that was generated in some, but not all, samples subject to triglyceride testing. However, some results regarding triglyceride levels were consistent with the results by Aquino et al 27 (Fig.…”