Acupuncture

 Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine has used acupuncture for centuries to help with weight loss.  Traditionally, acupuncture has been thought to regulate the flow of qi/chi (energy) in the body, helping to bring balance to the body.  It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote balance.  With regards to weight loss, auricular (ear) acupuncture is most widely used because it is believed that stimulating certain points on the outer ear will help balance two hormones, Ghrelin and Leptin, that help reduce cravings and appetite, thus aiding weight loss.  Ghrelin controls appetite and meal stimulation while Leptin regulates fat storage and metabolism. 

One study compared the effectiveness of auricular (ear) acupuncture to body acupuncture in obese women and found that those who received auricular acupuncture lost more weight—approximately 8 pounds more—than those who received acupuncture on other parts of the body.1  Another study provided evidence that overweight females between 20 and 30 years old who received six weekly treatments of auricular acupuncture experienced a reduction in waist circumference.2  Many people gain weight as a result of being under stress. Research shows that acupuncture needles stimulate the release of endorphins—the body’s natural “feel good” hormones. This can create calming, relaxing effects that counteract the need for stress eating caused by tension, frustration, and anxiety.3  When paired with lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, a 2018 review of studies concluded that acupuncture is effective for weight loss.4

Cost considerations: Acupuncture sessions can range from $50 to $150 per session, depending on the practitioner and location.  The number of sessions required can vary, but most people need at least six to eight sessions to see results. Some insurance plans may cover acupuncture.  Additionally, many acupuncturists offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions.

Time commitment: Acupuncture sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes.  The frequency of sessions can vary, but most practitioners recommend once or twice a week for at least six to eight weeks.  After that, maintenance sessions may be needed to keep the weight off.  This can be difficult for people with busy schedules.  A few treatments may help to lose a couple of pounds, while it may take 6-7 weeks to lose 10-15 pounds of excess weight.  

Degree of lifestyle modification: Acupuncture can be used as part of a weight loss program that includes lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise.  However, the degree of modification needed may vary depending on the individual and their weight loss goals.  Acupuncture does not require any major changes to your diet or exercise routine.  

Special products are not necessarily needed for acupuncture, although some acupuncturists may recommend certain herbs or supplements to support weight loss.  It is important to discuss any supplements or herbs with your doctor before taking them, as they can interact with other medications or medical conditions.

Health considerations:  While acupuncture is generally safe, it is important to discuss any medical conditions or medications you are taking with your acupuncturist before beginning treatment.  

Family-friendliness:  Acupuncture is generally safe for all ages, and many people find it to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Hormone-friendliness:  Acupuncture can help balance hormones, which can be helpful for weight loss.

Likelihood of long-term success after stopping is another important consideration. While acupuncture can be helpful for weight loss in the short-term, it is important to maintain healthy habits after stopping treatment in order to maintain weight loss, otherwise weight gain will likely return.

Degree of support:  It is important to work with an experienced acupuncturist who can provide support and guidance throughout your weight loss journey.   Additionally, it can be helpful to have support from friends and family members who understand and support your goals.  Acupuncture is likely most effective when combined with other weight loss intervention such as exercise and diet changes.  

In Summary:

Overall, acupuncture can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but it is important to consider  the cost, time commitment and likelihood of long-term success after stopping.  It also does not appear to be an optimal method if there is a significant amount of weight that needs to be lost as progress can be quite slow.  

1. Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z. The effects of auricular and body acupuncture in Turkish obese female patients: A randomized controlled trial Indicated both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture. Acupunct Electrother Res. 2017;42(1):1-10 doi:10.3727/036012917x14908026364990

2.  Lillingston F, Fields P, Waechter R. Auricular acupuncture associated with reduced waist circumference in overweight women—a randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6471560. doi:10.1155/2019/6471560

3. Ismail LA, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Latif GA, et al. Effect of acupuncture on body weight reduction and inflammatory mediators in Egyptian obese patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015;3(1):85-90. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2015.010

4. Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YJ. Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747