Can Taking a Bath Help You Lose Weight? Experts Weigh In

Could soaking in a hot bath with Epsom salt be the secret to weight loss? It’s a tempting idea, but the truth isn’t quite so simple.

Leah Meadows, a health and wellness coach and chiropractor, stated on TikTok that “a bath to lose weight—can be done.” However, the reality of relaxing in a hot bath and dropping a few pounds is more complicated. Newsweek spoke to Meadows about her clip, which gathered 25,000 views, and consulted a medical doctor to explore the topic further.

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: “By soaking in an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, potentially improving sleep and reducing cortisol levels. These factors indirectly contribute to weight management since stress and poor sleep can contribute to weight gain by dysregulating hormones (cortisol included). However, it is important to note that while Epsom salt baths can support overall wellness, scientific evidence showing direct weight loss from the bath itself is limited.”

Indeed, the bath salt has many benefits and according to one study it can help burn calories. In 2017, researchers from U.K.-based Loughborough University found that soaking in a 104-degree bath for an hour burns around 140 calories, equivalent to a 30-minute walk.

While a one-hour soak may contribute to staying in a calorie deficit, it’s best to do this after exercising to support a weight loss journey.

How Magnesium Could Indirectly Support Weight Loss

Newsweek also spoke to 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 lead to weight loss, magnesium does have indirect effects that could potentially support weight management. These benefits are typically seen when magnesium levels are adequate, either through dietary intake or supplementation, rather than through transdermal absorption from an Epsom salt bath,” Misra-Sharp explained.

So, you may be disappointed to find out that bathing daily will not lead to a dramatic transformation. But, magnesium does have indirect effects that could potentially support weight management, according to Misra-Sharp.

These benefits may be out of reach for those who are magnesium-deficient—a common issue among Americans. A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association estimated that up to 50 percent of the U.S. population may lack sufficient magnesium levels.

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 management, though this effect is primarily observed through dietary intake or supplementation rather than topical use.

“Studies have suggested 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 physical exercise and a balanced diet while relying on Epsom salt baths for relaxation, muscle pain relief, or stress management.

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