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Ozempic and Sauna Use:  Is it Safe to Use a Sauna While Using GLP-1 Pharmacotherapies?

It is unlikely that anyone has escaped hearing about the Ozempic craze over the past several years. Whether it is watching a red carpet event and seeing your favorite stars go from a size 2 to a negative 2, or perhaps catching up with old friends that are unrecognizable at first glance. It may also be true that you or someone you love has benefited tremendously from the use of these GLP-1 pharmacotherapies. Either way, with a 589% increase in use since 2019 it is impossible to avoid being touched by these pharmaceuticals in some way. (1) This includes asking questions such as, is it actually safe to use a sauna while on GLP-1 medication?

GLP-1 medications are estimated to globally reach a $200 billion dollar market by 2030, and with 13% of American adults using this pharmaceutical for weight loss the economic growth estimation seems probable. With so many individuals using GLP-1 medication it is not surprising that conversation around contraindications and expectations for activity participation have become necessary. Furthermore, it is important to understand the rapid and widespread use of this medication has not necessarily been met with as much research. So, in answering or advising on contraindications there is not necessarily enough data to say for sure what activities can and cannot be done safely. More time and data are needed. There are a few known facts that may cause some activities to be less safe for GLP-1 users, including saunas. 

Whether you are using these hormone replicas for weight loss or to treat type 2 diabetes, it is important to understand the extent to which your levels of hydration will be impacted. Any activities that will impact hydration levels will be exacerbated by the use of GLP-1 agonists, and this includes sauna use. The regular use of a sauna alone demands an uptake in hydration and remineralization, and so does the use of GLP-1 medication, the combination of both may put its users at risk for dehydration. This does not mean that sauna use is out of the question for GLP-1 users, but it does mean that special considerations should be taken into account. 

Given the potential risks involved with using a sauna in conjunction with a drug such as Ozempic, users may want to consider the use of red and near infrared light therapy instead. Exposure to infrared light via the phototherapy known as photobiomodulation may help to increase muscle growth which could help those who have lost muscle mass. So, if you have lost significant amounts of muscle mass as a result of your GLP-1 medication consider using an infrared sauna or a ‘red light’ panel device to help grow your muscle cells. 

Find out what GLP-1 medication actually is and whether sauna use may be a better solution for you to accomplish the same goals. If you do decide to sauna while using GLP-1 medication, find out how to do so safely, and what alternatives may be available to help regrow lost muscle mass if you are currently using a pharmaceutical such as Ozempic. 

What Are GLP-1 Pharmacotherapies?

Known by many different brand names, GLP-1 pharmaceuticals are ubiquitous in our present day pharmacological landscape. You may know them best by these names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. (1) This growing industry of medication promises to aid in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and make a dent in the obesity epidemic. It does not take a rocket scientist to notice that many of its users are neither diabetic nor obese. Nevertheless, the fact remains that 12% of American adults are taking these pharmaceuticals and it does not look like the number is going to decrease any time soon. 

Forbes Magazine estimates that the GLP-1 pharmaceutical industry will grow to $200 billion by the year 2030. (1) These money making injectable medications are a huge industry, and it appears that they are here to stay. Behind their infamous use among Hollywood stars, there is some real science to support their use in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

According to a paper entitled ‘Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)’ (2)

published by the National Library of Medicine, GLP-1 pharmaceuticals are known to stimulate secretion of insulin, and severely diminish appetite. Here is what the authors of this paper write when they describe GLP-1 medication. 

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a multifaceted hormone with broad pharmacological potential. Among the numerous metabolic effects of GLP-1 are the glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion, decrease of gastric emptying, inhibition of food intake, increase of natriuresis and diuresis, and modulation of rodent β-cell proliferation.” (2)

The GLP-1 hormone is naturally occurring in the body for most people, and GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone. 

GLP-1 medications bind to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects. Agonist simply means a substance, hormone, or medication that binds to a receptor inside the surface of a cell. The pharmacological aspect of synthesized GLP-1 agonists is simply that they mimic the naturally occurring hormone and bind to receptors waiting to receive the natural hormone GLP-1. 

According to a paper published by the Mayo clinic GLP-1 medication is described well by its authors here.

GLP-1 medications bind to GLP receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects.” (3)

While many resources refer to GLP-1 medication in these terms others refer to them as GLP-1RA. According to a paper published by the National Library of Medicine entitled: ‘Ten Top Tips for the Management of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Adults within Primary Care’ (4) these pharmaceuticals are defined in these terms.

GLP-1RAs replicate the activity of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1, which is secreted by the gut in response to food intake.” (4) The authors continue to describe some of the effects of this synthetic hormone replacement when they write this.

GLP-1RAs promote weight loss by reducing appetite via slowed gastric emptying and acting on the brain’s appetite centres. They enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia and concurrently suppressing glucagon secretion, leading to decreased hepatic glucose production.” 

Given the high number of Americans presently taking some form of GLP-1 medication it is well worth investigating what activities are safe to do while on these medications. Included in this query is the following; is it safe to sauna while on GLP-1 medication? There are several real and valid considerations before using a sauna if you are on a GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic. 

Safety Precautions to Take if You Plan on Using a Sauna While Also on GLP-1 Pharmacotherapies

  • Exercise Extreme Caution 
  • Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
  • Timing of Sauna Use
  • Avoid alcohol & Limit Caffeine

In fairness, it should be mentioned that regular use of saunas can accomplish many of the same goals as taking GLP-1 medication. For example, exposure to the heat of a sauna can help to increase insulin sensitivity, improve cardiovascular health and can also help to promote and maintain a healthy weight for regular users. That being said, if you are prescribed GLP-1 medication and choose to take these in addition to sauna therapy, it is very important to proceed with extreme caution. 

There is a time period of adjustment to GLP-1 medication that may take up to six months. During this adjustment period when incidence of nausea is higher it may be best to avoid the sauna altogether. If you do decide to begin using a sauna in conjunction with your GLP-1 medication it is recommended to proceed with extreme caution due to the potential for dehydration

As GLP-1 medications will reduce appetite it means that fluid intake that occurs through food alone will not happen. This will put its users at risk for dehydration. Even for sauna users who are not on GLP-1 medication there remains a high risk for dehydration unless extremely active precautions are taken. The combination of sauna use with GLP-1 medication could be disastrous for hydration levels. With that being said, it is not impossible to engage both therapies provided hydration is a hallmark practice throughout every day. This means drinking plenty of fluids that are high in electrolytes. 

Hydration is the name of the game if you decide to use a sauna while on GLP-1 medication. There needs to be extreme caution used if you choose to proceed as cases of dehydration can be very serious. Furthermore, avoid alcohol which can further cause dehydration, and avoid diuretics such as caffeine. If you choose to sauna while on GLP-1 pharmacotherapies avoid alcohol altogether to ensure your safety. 

There is further evidence that timing your sauna use around your injection schedule is important. According to Slim Transformations, it is important to avoid heat after injecting your GLP-1medication. Here is what the authors of their article write about sauna use and GLP-1 agonists.

MHRA guidance advises avoiding saunas, hot baths, or hot tubs for several hours after injection, as heat can increase redness or irritation. Hot environments also raise dehydration risk, which can worsen dose-related nausea.” (5)

Proceed with extreme caution if you plan to use a sauna while on GLP-1 medication. To be on the safe side consider using an alternative to sauna therapy, for example infrared light or red light therapy. These therapies will help to increase muscle cell regeneration while taking GLP-1, which may become quite important for its users.

Red Light and Infrared Light May Help to Rebuild Muscle Loss For Patients on GLP-1 Medication

If you are using GLP-1 medication, then perhaps it is safest to avoid the high heat of a steam room, or traditional sauna, but you could turn to red and near infrared light therapy to enhance muscle regeneration instead. Unfortunately, GLP-1 medication is associated with extreme muscle loss and as individuals taking these drugs try to regain their lost muscle a great tool could be the use of near infrared light. 

According to a paper published by Science Direct, exposure to photobiomodulation, which is a phototherapy that relies on the combination of near infrared and red light to alter mitochondrial function, can help to rebuild muscle mass. So, for anyone who has experienced muscle atrophy, the use of near infrared light in conjunction with red light therapy may be wildly beneficial. 

According to the paper entitled ‘Near-infrared light-triggered polypyrrole promotes C2C12 cell differentiation and inhibits TNF-α induced myotube atrophy’ (6) it is well worth using near infrared light to improve muscle growth and development after its loss for any reason (including the use of GLP-1 medications).  Here is what the authors of this paper write.

Studies have shown that photobiomodulation can inhibit skeletal muscle atrophy and aid in functional recovery. Near-infrared radiation (NIR) therapy has emerged as a complementary therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy.” (6)

So, while the use of a sauna may be too risky for potential dehydration for those on GLP-1 medications, it may be beneficial to turn to the use of near infrared light to help rebuild lost muscle and ensure that your skeletal system remains healthy after tremendous weight loss. 

How to Use a Sauna if You are On a GLP-1 Pharmacotherapy: Turn to Near Infrared Light For Muscle Regeneration and to Avoid Dehydration

While some professionals believe that after an adjustment period to GLP-1 medication that it is likely safe to use a sauna, others suggest avoiding the high heat altogether. Given the fact that no real research has been done to study individuals using both therapeutic modalities, it is difficult with certainty to say how safe it is to use a sauna while on GLP-1 medication.

It is known that both sauna use and GLP-1 medication can increase the risk of dehydration. For now it is most likely best to avoid high heat saunas while taking GLP-1 pharmaceuticals. Instead, turn to infrared light therapy to help increase muscle mass and mitochondrial function. You can use a full spectrum infrared sauna with red light therapy or a photobiomodulation device to induce muscle growth. The heat in your infrared sauna can be set to as low as possible to reduce the risk of dehydration. Coupling your use of GLP-1 medication with phototherapy using near infrared light may help to regain some of the muscle loss. 

Avoid alcohol if you choose to use GLP-1 medication in conjunction with a sauna or high intensity exercise, and please maintain excellent hydration at all times. 

Ultimately, further research is needed to determine whether the use of GLP-1 medication and sauna are safe to do at the same time. In the meantime if you are really excited about combining the therapies please consult with your prescribing doctor first to establish a safe and effective plan. 

Remember that GLP-1 medication may be popular, but they may not be a great choice for everyone. If you are feeling ambivalent about the use of this pharmaceutical remember that sauna use can help with cardiovascular health, the maintenance of a healthy weight, and even increase insulin sensitivity!

Citations:

  1. https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/glp-1-statistics/
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6812410/
  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12194299/
  5. https://www.slimtransformation.co.uk/post/are-there-any-activities-or-environments-to-avoid-after-injecting-wegovy
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089865682200225X

The Use of Infrared Light in Aesthetic Medicine: Can Infrared Saunas Improve Your Overall Physical Appearance?

Financial statistics and data suggests that how a person appears on the outside matters a lot to humans. With the global cosmetic surgery market valued at close to 60 billion in 2025, and with a projected growth to 83 billion by the year 2034, there is simply no denying that humans are altering their physical appearance at a strikingly high level.(1) Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery, despite many advancements, comes with risks. Not only can it be a high risk for health in the short term, the long term results of many procedures are still unknown, and finally aesthetic surgery is not cheap. So, is there a way to non-invasively improve physical appearance and enhance health at the same time? Perhaps infrared light and saunas may be just the answer.

Alongside the uptake in cosmetic surgery, research suggests that infrared light in general has also experienced a strong uptake as a tool in aesthetic medicine. From infrared saunas, lamps, lasers, and blankets, infrared light devices are found throughout slimming facilities, dermatology clinics, and spas. Many individuals are turning to infrared light for the purposes of beautification as a complimentary treatment to plastic surgery or in lieu of it. The use of infrared light for aesthetic purposes comes with less risks, and for many conditions may simply be more effective. 

Infrared light interacts with the cellular composition of the body to stimulate the actual aliveness and health of each individual cell. Rather than addressing the body as a mechanic would a car and simply replacing parts for other differently shaped parts, the use of infrared light to improve cellular composition relies on the fact the body is a living organism. Infrared light stimulates the living tissues of the body to enhance their function and ultimately improve the overall appearance of the individual users without inserting non-organic matter into the body. 

Whenever non-biological material is introduced into the body’s biosphere, risk factors increase.  While cosmetic surgery may be excellent for those who have invested into it financially, it may not be the healthiest investment for longevity. If you are looking to improve your physical appearance, consider the research on how infrared light is being used in aesthetic medicine to improve appearance and also healthspan. 

Whether infrared light is used as an adjunct therapy for beautification of the body or as a replacement therapy, you can find out here how infrared light interacts with human biology and how it is being used in the fields of aesthetic medicine. Furthermore, find out how you can use infrared light from home to attain your ideal body mass index, improve the quality of your skin, as well as how to tone and sculpt your body’s subcutaneous tissue. 

The History of Infrared Light as a Phototherapy

All of light energy can be found naturally in the sun’s radiant electromagnetic spectrum. Whether an individual chooses to work with light energy to affect their biology is really quite redundant as it is happening daily by virtue of being alive on planet earth. In more recent history scientists and researchers have found ways to harness the healthy aspects of the sun’s radiance into artificial devices to improve health and wellness.

Infrared light sits proudly on the light spectrum just beyond the visible color red and is invisible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat. Infrared light is both absorbed and emitted by people. For example, with night sight goggles humans can be detected by the infrared heat that they emit from their bodies. (2) 

Infrared light is most prominent in the sun’s radiance early in the day and as the sun is setting in the sky. Infrared light can also be harnessed artificially. It was first discovered as a frequency in 1880 by a scientist known as William Herschel. Herschel conducted an experiment that measured the temperature of color light. He found that just beyond the color red that could be seen with the eye was an increase in thermal temperature, and it was at this moment that he discovered infrared light. (2)

Later in the same century Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, most famous for his cereal, was the first known person to use infrared light as a therapy. In his incandescent light bath, which became world famous among the elites of Europe and beyond, he used infrared light bulbs to heal a wide array of maladies. (3) 

It wasn’t until the mid 1960s when scientists from NASA circled back to Kellogg’s vision to use infrared light as a phototherapy. So, the use of infrared light as a medicinal therapy is not as recent as it may at first appear, in fact this technology is roughly 150 years old. (3)

As the 2000s advanced the use of infrared light in saunas increased dramatically.  This form of heat was found to be more effective at heating the internal core temperature of its users when compared to other styles of saunas. Furthermore, infrared laser technology continues to evolve, and both intensities of infrared light have moved into regular practice in the world of aesthetic medicine. 

So, why use infrared technology as a beautification tool? Find out how infrared light interacts with the cells of the body.  With this understanding it starts to make sense why so many would turn to this light frequency to improve their appearance. 

The Mechanics and Biology of How Infrared Light Energy as it is Used in Aesthetic Medicine

The human body is composed of roughly 30 trillion cells. Cells make up every aspect of human physiology. Where there are healthy cells there is a healthy body, and where there are unhealthy cells then you will find unhealthy tissues, organs, and eventually a very sick person. Infrared light exposure creates conversation with the molecular level of each cell, as photons are absorbed and transmuted into energy. When the body begins to improve in health at the cellular level it upregulates all aspects of health and physical appearance. 

All light moves through space and time as waves, and these frequencies move in shorter or longer wavelengths. Infrared light is considered as long wavelength light, and this more powerful frequency is able to move directly into the soft tissues of the body and alter cellular composition. Due to this capacity infrared light has been harnessed for its medicinal use in the phototherapy process known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Long wavelength light’s ability to move into the soft tissues of the body is described by the authors of the paper entitled ‘Photobiomodulation and the brain: a new paradigm’ (4) published by the National Library of Medicine.

“…red light (600-750 nm) and NIR light (750-1100 nm) have longer wavelengths that penetrate deeply, reaching several centimeters into muscle and other tissues, making them highly suitable for clinical applications targeting deep tissue structures.” (4)

Photobiomodulation occurs when the combination of red and near infrared light are absorbed by cytochrome C that sits inside the membrane surrounding the organelle known as the mitochondria. This energy center that exists inside of every cell of the body is responsible for maintaining homeostasis of cellular metabolism, or the life death cycle of cells. When infrared light is absorbed by the mitochondria a fabulous cascade of biological reactions occur to transform the physical make-up of the body.  Aesthetic medicine relies on this interchange to create results for clients looking to ameliorate their physical appearance. 

A paper published by Science Direct entitled ‘Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments’ outlines the many uses of infrared light in beauty centers and slimming facilities across the globe. The authors of this paper describe the relationship between infrared light and human physiology here.

Infrared (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to stimulate living tissues resulting in numerous biological responses. Exposure to IR is perceived as heat and their mechanism of action is related to the absorption of energy by photoacceptor molecules.” (5)

The authors of this paper briefly outline the areas of beauty that infrared light is used to treat.

Infrared devices and technologies are used for weight loss, cellulite treatment, body remodeling, beauty treatments, and wellness.” (5)

From improved collagen production, to weight loss, and even hair growth on the scalp it seems as if infrared technology is touching nearly every aspect of aesthetic medicine. The primary devices that the above mentioned paper describes clinics as using are:

“…infrared thermal blankets, far-infrared thermal blanket, infrared lipo laser paddles, infrared lamps, far-infrared lamps, infrared saunas, far-infrared saunas, and infrared caps.” (5)

The call to improve physical appearance is strong and infrared light technology answers this call in many ways. Infrared light therapies cannot fully replace invasive plastic surgery, but if it is possible to avoid implanting non-organic material into the body, and instead rely on the body’s own ability to upregulate cellular behavior. Rather than choosing between improving physical appearance and health perhaps consider the power of infrared light to do both at the same time. Find out more specifically how infrared light can be used for aesthetic medicine in areas of skin care, hair growth, and body mass composition below.  

What Areas of Beauty Can Infrared Saunas Help With?

  • Maintenance of Ideal Weight For Individual Skeletal Structure
  • Radiant Skin: Enhanced Peripheral Blood Flow 
  • Increased Collagen Production
  • Detoxification
  • Tissue Toning: Subcutaneous Toning to  Reduce Cellulite
  • Hair Growth on the Scalp
  • Wound Healing 

It may be possible to avoid some of the higher risk aesthetic surgeries and procedures by turning to the power of infrared light. As high as 65% of people regret having plastic surgery, or are disappointed with the results. (6) Yet, people still continue to turn to aesthetic medicine to alter their appearance. Obviously, infrared light cannot seriously alter the shape of an individual’s nose, for example, or dramatically increase the size of the breasts, but there is a lot that infrared light can do to improve overall appearance. As a bonus exposure to infrared light as experienced in a sauna can also dramatically improve health instead of hindering it. 

The authors of the paper ‘Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments’ (5) describe an increasing demand to improve physical appearance and also the need for more technologies to effectively and non-invasively answer this call.

The search for a better and more toned body shape that involves the reduction of fat deposits throughout the body or in specific areas, as well as the reduction of cellulite and, in general, all that orbits around the universe of strategies for weight loss and tissue toning (skin and subcutaneous tissues), it is the need that leads women, and more recently also men, to orient themselves on the solutions proposed by aesthetic medicine, both invasive and non-invasive, to beauty salons and slimming centres or gyms.” (5)

Infrared saunas are a great way to lose excess fat storage without any invasive surgery or GLP-1 drugs. Even if an individual is not in a position to exercise, or cannot afford the cost of GLP-1 medication, or surgery, the use of an infrared sauna can dramatically decrease weight, and help to optimize body mass composition while simultaneously improving insulin sensitivity. It is not due to water weight loss that causes fat loss from an infrared sauna, but rather due to the cardiovascular engagement necessary in order to regulate internal temperature. This process requires significant caloric expenditure as exampled by the authors of the paper from Science Direct mentioned above.

IR thermal blankets improve blood circulation and the metabolism of the whole body, accelerate the detoxification, trigger the consumption of calories and fat burning.” (5)

Instead of using an infrared thermal blanket it is often much more comfortable to use an infrared sauna where sweat can be easily wiped from the surface of the skin.The regular use of an infrared sauna is an effective way to manage weight without surgery, or adding potentially detrimental medication into the biosphere of the body. Without knowing the long term effects of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, it may be prudent to stick with infrared saunas for reliable weight loss. 

A little known fact about infrared light is that it can help reduce cellulite by regulating the cellular make-up of the subcutaneous tissues in the body. So, whether you pay to go to a clinic to receive this treatment or use an infrared sauna from home it is possible to reduce cellulite with exposure to infrared light. (5)

Additionally, the use of an infrared sauna is arguably the most effective way to detoxify the body from chronic and difficult to remove toxins. While this may not directly augment external appearance, a healthy and toxin free body will glow from the inside out. 

The heat from a sauna improves peripheral blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the organ of the skin. So the after sauna glow is not just from sweat, it is a real and measurable phenomenon. 

Furthermore, infrared light relies on the phototherapy known as photobiomodulation to improve mitochondrial function. This therapy helps to improve collagen production, heal flesh wounds, and rejuvenate the skin and connective tissues of the body. Instead of injecting literal poisons into the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, consider using infrared light instead!

How to Use Infrared Light to Improve Your Overall Physical Appearance

It seems impossible to avoid the strong emphasis that our society places on physical appearance, and the market value of plastic surgery is a demonstration of the high value that we collectively place on external beauty. Many cosmetic procedures rely on risky surgeries or the placement of non-biological, or in-organic material into the body. If you would like to avoid this or help mitigate some of the side effects from these procedures,  consider turning to infrared light technology to augment your physical appearance and health. 

Ultimately a healthy body will likely be a beautiful body, however many will want more direct results for their physical appearance.  The field of aesthetic medicine does continue to grow and improve its technologies, and gratefully the healthy light spectrum of infrared light has found its way in. 

You can find the use of red and infrared light in dermatologist offices, in spas, and in body sculpting clinics. Before turning to injectables, consider asking your health care professional about their infrared light technologies. 

Infrared saunas can be a great multi-purpose tool to help lose weight, reduce cellulite, and improve overall skin quality. So, if you are not interested in going into a clinic to benefit from infrared light to improve the quality of physical appearance consider using an infrared sauna from home. 

Infrared saunas can help you maintain your ideal weight, while upleveling the appearance of your skin. Before feeling pressured to go under the knife consider the healthy option of infrared saunas for many of your beautification needs. 

The use of any sauna requires extensive dedication to hydration, so please be sure to make sure that you are consuming plenty of water rich in electrolytes. If you are unsure about the use of infrared sauna for your health needs then please consult with a medical professional. 

Sources & Citations:

  1.  https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/cosmetic-surgery-market-102628
  2. https://science.nasa.gov/ems/07_infraredwaves/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8819196/
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5448311/
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350449519301756
  6. https://www.medicalaccidentgroup.co.uk/news/do-you-regret-having-cosmetic-surgery/
  7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6360547/
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