Tanning has been around for centuries, with people from all walks of life indulging in its perks. With that said, there have always been myths associated with tanning – one of them being that it helps with weight loss or calorie burning. In this article, we’ll be debunking this myth and exploring some of the risks involved with tanning. We will also discuss some alternatives to tanning for achieving fitness goals.
Contents
Myths About Weight Loss
Let’s start by examining the myth surrounding tanning and weight loss. Sure, lying in a tanning bed may make you sweat a bit, but this does not amount to much in terms of actual calorie burning or weight loss.
The truth is that while tanning may help you feel more relaxed, it will not help you burn any meaningful amount of calories and it won’t help you achieve your fitness goals.
Moreover, there are numerous health risks associated with tanning such as skin cancer and premature aging of the skin (trusted source).
Tanning and Weight Loss
Tanning has been an increasingly popular practice over the last few decades.
People usually tan to get a darker skin color, and for many it is seen as a form of beauty. While still accepted by some, it is not an activity without risks.
Tanning has been linked to increase in wrinkles, age spots, and overall accelerated aging of the skin, which are all effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Furthermore, there is also no scientific evidence that tanning can help people lose weight or burn calories, despite what many believe. Rather than trusting unfounded claims people should look at research and know the potential consequences before starting a tanning habit.
Any Risks?
Tanning can be an enticing proposition for those looking for a quick boost of energy during the day, but it comes at a much higher cost than the few moments of temporary energy.
UV radiation exposure from too much tanning carries potential risks such as skin cancer and premature aging, making people more prone to wrinkles and age-related diseases earlier in life.
Unfortunately, these risks far outweigh any minimal energy expenditure associated with going to a tanning salon or using an at-home device.
Therefore, it’s important that people recognize the consequences before they engage in activities exposing them to excessive levels of UV radiation.
Fitness Goals
When it comes to burning calories and achieving fitness goals, there are far better options than tanning.
For starters, regular physical activity is an excellent way to burn calories and stay healthy. This can include anything from running or biking to swimming or even taking up yoga classes. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall wellness.
Eating whole foods such as fruits and vegetables can give your body the nourishment it needs without compromising your health in any way.
Finally, it’s important to remember that anything done in excess can be dangerous, including sun exposure from extended periods of time spent in a tanning bed. Tanning may seem like an easy fix for losing weight quickly but the risks involved definitely outweigh any potential benefits (trusted source).
Additionally, if you’re trying to improve your overall fitness level or lose weight then chances are there are far better methods available than just lying down on a sunbed!
Better Options
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are far more effective methods for burning calories and improving overall health than indoor or outdoor tanning.
Sweating does not actually burn a significant amount of calories, but does support physical activity and an active lifestyle.
This combination of balanced nutrition and exercise can lead to sustainable weight loss, preserving muscle mass, improved mental health, as well as providing a boost to the body’s ability to fight off disease.
Tanning does nothing for your overall health and does not have any of the metabolic benefits of healthy eating combined with regular exercise. A healthy life requires smart decisions.
So ditch the tanning bed or booth because you’ll end up feeling much better in the long run.
Does Tanning Burn Calories?
Tanning is a popular self-care and overall health trend, however it may not be the best solution for achieving fitness intentions.
Contrary to popular belief, tanning does not actually contribute any significant amount of calorie burn, to the point where how many calories are burned through tanning become somewhat meaningless.
As such, other safer alternatives should be prioritized over tanning in order to get the desired results that people want when trying to improve their overall health and fitness.
Tanning may provide a nice boost of endorphins in the short term, but ultimately it fails compared to exercise and following a proper food regime — two healthier options with proven effectiveness that should be prescribed instead.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can safely say that the myth surrounding tanning and weight loss/calorie burn is false and should be avoided entirely.
Not only is there no evidence to suggest that lying on a sunbed will help with either of these two things but it also puts us at risk of various health issues such as skin cancer and premature aging due to UV radiation exposure during long periods of time spent in a tanning bed.
Instead, focus on alternative methods such as regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet in order to achieve your desired fitness goals without risking your health! Keep safe out there!
