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Weighted Blanket for Weight Loss?
If you are like most people, the new year brings the desire to make changes in your life.
Maybe you want to lose weight, get in shape or improve your sleep habits.
All in one, huh? A Weight Loss blanket? (pun intended)
One way that many people are finding success is by using a weighted blanket for weight loss.
Really. Let’s see how!
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What are the benefits of using a weighted blanket regarding weight loss?
Using a weighted blanket as part of your weight loss journey can provide numerous benefits.
- Weighted blankets can help improve sleep by providing warmth and comfort, which can give you more energy throughout the day
- Weighted blankets may help boost levels of oxytocin, melatonin, and serotonin which can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved metabolism and decreased hunger hormones
- Weighted blankets also help to reduce cortisol, which can lead to less stress and anxiety, and prevent the body from storing fat
- The pressure of the weighted blanket may streamline blood circulation and help flush out metabolic waste
All of these benefits combined can make a significant difference in achieving your weight loss goals.

How does a weighted blanket help with weight loss?
Sleeping with a weighted blanket can help with weight loss by improving sleep, reducing hunger and fatigue, decreasing stress and anxiety, and increasing metabolic functioning. Sleeping better and for longer periods of time can increase levels of leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, and reduce levels of ghrelin, the “hunger” hormone. With more energy, people are less likely to be lazy and more likely to exercise which results in weight loss.
Weighted blankets increase serotonin production which leads to a more stable mood and better decision making. Finally, the deep touch pressure that weighted blankets provide helps to reduce cortisol levels which can cause fat build up and increase cravings for unhealthy food.
All of these effects can lead to weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
How sleep and weight loss are connected?
Sleep loss can have a significant impact on weight loss. It has been found that when people are not getting enough sleep, their appetite hormones, ghrelin and leptin, are altered in a way which increases their hunger and cravings, thus leading to weight gain. Not getting enough sleep also decreases metabolic functioning, increases anxiety and depression, and activates the reward center of the brain, making it more likely for people to choose unhealthy snack and meals. All of these factors can lead to an increase in unwanted weight.

On the other hand, getting adequate sleep can help with weight loss. When people sleep more, their leptin levels increase, which makes them feel full and less likely to overeat. Additionally, having more energy and a better mood can also help people make healthier decisions and stick to a diet. Finally, sleeping longer can also reduce the amount of time during which people can snack, leading to fewer calories being consumed. That is why sleeping with a waist trainer is a bad idea.
In conclusion, sleep and weight loss are directly linked; when people lack sleep, they are more likely to gain weight, while those who have good sleep habits are more likely to lose it.
Can a weighted blanket make you lose weight?
The answer is not as simple as it may seem. While a weighted blanket may indirectly lead to weight loss by helping to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, it’s important to understand that it’s not some miracle weight loss cure.
Better sleep can have an impact on weight loss in a few ways, including reduced hunger, less time to eat, and more energy. However, a weighted blanket won’t always cause weight loss and may not produce as large of an effect as one might think. That being said, if someone believes a weighted blanket will improve their sleep, it could be worth a try in order to gain the general quality of life benefits that come with it.
There are also many deep pressure calming activities that adults can do to help relax their muscles and joints.
Do weighted blankets burn calories?
No, weighted blankets do not burn calories. Weighted blankets are not some miracle weight loss cure that will squish away fat. However, they can help indirectly lead to weight loss by reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Weighted blankets work by providing deep touch pressure therapy (DTP), which applies firm touch to alleviate pain, anxiety, and other comorbid conditions of sleep loss. This can result in a better, more restful sleep, which can ultimately lead to weight loss.
Why Sleeping Better Can Cause Weight Loss
Better sleeping better can cause weight loss in a variety of ways.
First, it reduces hunger, as sleeping well increases leptin levels, the hormone that signals you’re full, and reduces ghrelin, the “hunger” hormone.
Second, poor sleep can cause you to snack more, leading to an increase in calories consumed.
Third, better sleep leads to more energy, which can help you make better decisions and take the steps necessary to lose weight, such as exercising and eating healthier.
Lastly, better sleep can reduce stress and mood swings, allowing for better decision-making in terms of physical and dietary health. All of these effects combined can lead to significant weight loss over time.
Weight Loss Blanket
Sleep affects weight loss by causing an imbalance between the hunger hormone ghrelin, which increases without sufficient sleep, and the fullness hormone leptin, which decreases. This imbalance causes an increase in snacking, carbohydrate cravings and feelings of fatigue, making it more difficult to get off the couch and exercise or plan healthy meals.

Studies have found that adults who get eight to nine hours of sleep per night while on a calorie-restricted diet lose more fat than those who get five and a half hours of sleep or less. Those who got less sleep also lost muscle mass, which can further impede weight loss and overall health. Therefore, to maximize weight loss efforts, it is important to prioritize getting enough high-quality sleep every night.
Increased metabolic functioning
The weighted blanket increases metabolic functioning for weight loss by increasing energy levels and activity level. This is done through touch and pressure which helps to streamline blood circulation and clear metabolic waste. This waste can often lead to cravings, but being able to regulate hormones a weighted blanket can help to reduce hunger cravings and make it easier to manage weight.
By reducing cortisol levels and providing better quality sleep, the weighted blanket can help to regulate insulin levels, which can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and can help to reduce body fat storage. With better quality sleep, people are also more likely to engage in physical activity and healthier eating habits which can lead to successful weight loss.
FAQs
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket that has a filling that makes it heavier than traditional blankets, providing a pressure to the user’s body similar to a comforting hug. It is like a self hug, all night long. The pressure from the extra weight mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation or pressure therapy, which is believed to help boost levels of oxytocin, melatonin and serotonin.
Weighted blankets are sometimes used for people with autism or other conditions, but it is important to check with a healthcare provider first. Weighted blankets are often touted as therapeutically valuable for those with certain medical conditions like autism, depression and PTSD, but overall, the research supporting these claims is thin.
According to research, weighted blankets may help to reduce insomnia severity and symptoms of depression, fatigue and anxiety. Weighted blankets are a non-habit-forming alternative to sleep aids or alcohol, and can bring the brain back to thinking of the physical body, instead of emotional stressors.
What hormone levels does a weighted blanket help to regulate?
A weighted blanket helps to regulate the levels of serotonin, dopamine, melatonin and cortisol. Serotonin and dopamine are ‘happy hormones’ that are released when we feel comfortable and safe, allowing us to relax and unwind. Melatonin is our sleep hormone, which helps us to fall asleep and stay asleep, while cortisol is our stress hormone which keeps us alert and awake.
Weighted blankets provide gentle pressure to the body, which helps to relax the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, as well as trigger the release of serotonin and melatonin which can help to induce a peaceful and restful sleep. By improving the quality of our sleep, weighted blankets can help to improve overall metabolic functioning, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and provide relief from chronic pain and restless leg syndrome.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
How heavy should a weighted blanket be? Generally, a weighted blanket should weigh between 5 to 30 pounds and should be 10% of the user’s body weight.
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