Is Sweating During Weight Loss Effective? Experts Weigh In

Our experts said that, yes, these can help with weight loss, but you should proceed with caution. “Exercising in the heat can help you burn more calories, as your body is working hard to cool itself, but it can easily lead to dehydration,” Nagel said. “If sitting in a sauna or sweating it out in Bikram yoga is your thing, make sure to drink water before, during, and after your sweat session.”

If you’re working out outside in the summertime, she recommends upping the intensity of your workouts gradually, as it takes around seven to 10 days to acclimate to the heat. “Wear well-ventilated clothing, pay attention to the heat index, drink lots of water (adding an electrolyte mix, if exercising longer than 60 minutes), and have fun,” she said.

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“Weight loss through sweating is achieved because of water loss,” said Kerkenbush. “True weight loss would be reduction of body fat by expending more calories than [you’re] taking in, usually by a combination of proper nutrition and exercise,” she explained. Since sweating is the body’s cooling mechanism, she said that excessive sweating isn’t really going to help you lose weight in the long run. “Safe weight loss is around a half a pound to two pounds per week,” she added.

In other words, sweating during weight loss and your workouts isn’t necessarily going to help you lose weight. “Instead of focusing on sweat, try boosting your workout with some high-intensity bursts of cardio, picking up heavier weights, or simply taking your workout outdoors. Research shows that the varied terrain and wind resistance outdoors can help you burn more calories,” Nagel said.