Can a bath help you lose weight? Experts weigh in

Could a hot bath with Epsom salts be the key to weight loss? It’s a tempting idea, but the truth isn’t quite that simple.

Leah Meadows, health and wellness coach and chiropractor, explained on TikTok that “taking a bath to lose weight is possible.” However, the reality of relaxing in a hot bath and losing a few pounds is more complicated. Newsweek spoke with Meadows about her clip, which garnered 25,000 views, and consulted a doctor to further investigate the issue.

Meadows, who is based in Kirkland, Washington, said: “The idea behind using Epsom salt baths for weight loss is largely based on the role of magnesium in the body. Magnesium helps regulate sleep, reduce stress and support healthy metabolic functions.”

She added: “Soaking in an Epsom salt bath allows the magnesium to be absorbed through the skin, potentially improving sleep and lowering cortisol levels. These factors indirectly contribute to weight control, as stress and poor sleep can contribute to weight gain through the dysregulation of hormones (However, it is important to note that while Epsom salt baths may support overall well-being, there is limited scientific evidence supporting direct weight loss). the bathroom itself is there.

In fact, bath salts have many benefits and according to one study, they can help burn calories. In 2017, researchers at Britain’s Loughborough University found that an hour-long soak in a 104-degree bath burns about 140 calories, the equivalent of a 30-minute walk.

While a one-hour bath can help maintain a calorie deficit, it’s best to do it after exercise to aid weight loss.

How magnesium could indirectly support weight loss

Newsweek also spoke with Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a doctor at the Lordswood House medical practice in Birmingham, England.

“While soaking in an Epsom salt bath may not directly result in weight loss, magnesium has indirect effects that could potentially aid in weight management. These benefits are typically seen when magnesium levels are adequate, either through food intake or supplementation, rather than through transdermal absorption from an Epsom salt bath,” Misra-Sharp explained.

So you may be disappointed to find that daily bathing doesn’t result in a dramatic change. However, Misra-Sharp says magnesium has indirect effects that could potentially aid weight management.

These benefits may be out of reach for those who suffer from magnesium deficiency – a common problem among Americans. A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association It is estimated that up to 50 percent of the U.S. population may lack sufficient magnesium.

Misra-Sharp told Newsweek: “Adequate magnesium intake has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar regulation. Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic disorders and weight gain. By supporting these processes, magnesium could contribute to weight control, although this effect is primarily observed through food intake or supplementation rather than topical application.

“Studies suggest that magnesium deficiency is associated with higher levels of inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, all of which can contribute to weight gain. Therefore, maintaining adequate magnesium levels could help prevent or mitigate some of these conditions.”

Overall, Misra-Sharp recommends sticking to traditional weight loss methods like regular exercise and a balanced diet, while also relying on Epsom salt baths for relaxation, relieving muscle pain, or managing stress.

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