Can massage therapy help with weight loss?

I've had several clients tell me they believe getting massages regularly is helping them lose weight. While I can visibly see that they have and they appear healthier and happier, I wanted to do a little digging into the research databases to see if there was any published studies on this to see if there is scientific evidence that supports it. Sure enough, I found I new study recently published on this topic!

In the April 2024 issue of the journal Heliyon, there was a study published sharing researchers' findings on the effect of therapeutic massage on patients with obesity. While the researchers point out that more studies need to be conducted on this topic to learn more, they did share a lot of interesting information they gathered from doing a meta-analysis of prior published studies covering the issue. They narrowed down their analysis to 12 studies that included a total of 1300 people adults who were considered obese (having a BMI above 30).

The study participants were split into groups, with some receiving massage therapy, some receiving a placebo, and some receiving conventional weight loss treatment (i.e., lifestyle changes, weight loss drugs, and surgery). They compared the findings and monitored all participants' weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. There were no restrictions placed on the type of massage or the duration of each session.

Here are some key findings from their research, which found that massage therapy:

• Helps regulate qi (energy) and addresses stressors so that the energy flows better.

• Was significantly more effective than controls in reducing BMI for those who are considered obese, and significantly reduced waist circumference, triglycerides and total cholesterol.

• Significantly improves metabolic outcomes in patients with obesity compared to conventional treatment.

• Is an effective weight loss option and improves body shape and blood lipid levels with safe and non-toxic side effects, thus achieving the effect of weight loss.

• Stimulates the blood circulation system, which increases metabolism.

In another study published in the January 2025 issue of the journal Medicine, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of and analyzed 13 published studies that looked at weight loss and massage together. They found and conclude that adding massage to lifestyle interventions fled to a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and more.

This is great news, because it is one more study that finds massage therapy to have some wonderful benefits. They report that it is helpful in weight loss for those who are considered obese, and that it doesn't have the toxic and dangerous side effects that some conventional treatments may have. They also report that massage is more affordable and easier for people to stick with than lifestyle changes, which most people find hard sticking with.

Ready to book your next appointment? You can do so online or by texting or calling 386-871-1101.

Relaxation massage has a great way of helping you to reduce stress and tension, which may also help with leading a healthier life.

Zensational Massage Therapy is located in Port Orange and specializes in Swedish therapeutic massage that is good for the body, mind and spirit. Clients come from Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, DeLand, Ponce Inlet, etc.