Entering July, with the continuous rise in temperature, temperatures in many parts of the country are approaching 40 degrees. In such scorching heat, many people choose to stay indoors with air conditioning to avoid the heat and enjoy the coolness. However, at the same time, some people choose to bask in the sun and endure the scorching heat. According to Hebei Radio and Television reports, on July 9th, a woman in Foshan, Guangdong, sunbathed her back on the rooftop and lost 4 kilograms within 10 days. She expressed that after sunbathing, she felt that her eyes had become clearer, sunbathing for about half an hour every day. Although her skin darkened, she felt it was worthwhile.
On social media, searching for “sunbathing” will reveal many netizens sharing their sunbathing experiences and insights. This phenomenon has sparked widespread attention and discussion. Sunbathing for weight loss has become a new “health-preserving” method for some people, not only because it seems simple and easy but also because it is cost-free. However, is sunbathing for weight loss really as miraculous and harmless as it appears?
Sun exposure does have certain benefits for the body. Moderate sunlight exposure can help the body synthesize vitamin D, promote calcium absorption, and contribute to bone health. Additionally, sunlight can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. However, overexposure to the sun can bring serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to intense ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, accelerate skin aging, and lead to issues like sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, though sunbathing for weight loss may seem simple and effective, the associated risks should not be ignored.
From a scientific perspective, the rapid weight loss may be more due to water loss rather than fat reduction. In high-temperature environments, the body sweats profusely leading to rapid water loss and consequently a decrease in weight. However, the method of weight loss through water loss is not healthy and may even harm the body. Genuine weight loss should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise, rather than relying on extreme methods.
For advocates of sunbathing for weight loss, psychological effects may play a significant role. The reduction in weight after sunbathing and the perceived changes may bring a sense of psychological satisfaction and accomplishment. Especially in modern society, the pressure to lose weight and the pursuit of health make people more willing to accept and try various emerging weight loss methods. However, these psychological effects cannot change the risks and issues associated with sunbathing for weight loss.
As someone who has experimented with sunbathing for weight loss, I have some personal experiences to share. A few years ago, upon a friend’s recommendation, I started sunbathing my back daily in hopes of losing weight that way. In the initial days, I did feel a decrease in weight, and after sunbathing each day, I felt rejuvenated. However, over time, I noticed my skin becoming dry and even showing signs of sunburn. Most importantly, the weight loss from this method was not sustainable. Once I stopped sunbathing, the weight quickly rebounded.
Through this experience, I realize deeply that sunbathing for weight loss is not a healthy and effective method. Although some effects may be visible in the short term, the health risks and negative impacts far outweigh the benefits. In the end, I chose to achieve my weight loss goals through adjusting my diet and increasing physical activity. While the process may be slower, the results are more lasting, and my body is healthier.
The popularity of sunbathing for weight loss reflects modern society’s pursuit of health and beauty, but this method is not scientific and may even harm the body. We should achieve healthy weight loss through scientific methods and avoid blindly following trends. I hope everyone can rationally consider various weight loss methods, choose a healthy approach suitable for themselves, and truly achieve physical and mental health and beauty.
