Limited research suggests that acupuncture may be an effective complementary treatment for overweight and obesity. This may be due to its ability to regulate metabolism and other benefits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers overweight and obesity to be a global epidemic.
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There isn’t a lot of research supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss, but this article explores what the existing research has to say.
Obesity occurs due to problems with energy metabolism and appetite regulation. Although the mechanism is unknown, clinical research published in 2019 suggests that acupuncture may help:
- regulates the endocrine system
- regulate metabolism
- promotes digestion
- reduce oxidative stress
A 2021 study concluded that acupuncture for obesity involves targeting neural circuits in the hypothalamus, the area that controls the body’s energy homeostasis and appetite.
Some studies show that acupuncture may help with weight loss.
A small 2015 study investigated the effects of massage and manual acupuncture in 50 participants and found that both manual acupuncture and massage significantly reduced weight and body mass index (BMI). .
Another small study conducted in Japan in 2015 found that acupuncture in the ear area lowered activity levels of ghrelin, a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can increase hunger levels. It was found that the change was effectively induced. Study participants in the acupuncture group experienced weight loss compared to the control group.
A 2019 review and meta-analysis on acupuncture for weight loss in Asians found that acupuncture effectively reduced waist circumference and BMI, but weight only decreased when combined with diet and exercise. did.
Furthermore, a 2020 review comparing the effects of acupuncture and so-called “sham acupuncture” on simple obesity showed that acupuncture significantly reduced body weight and BMI compared to sham acupuncture. This seems to refute the claim that the effects of acupuncture are simply a placebo effect.
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Another meta-analysis in 2017 reported that acupuncture, either alone or in combination with lifestyle interventions, significantly reduced BMI.
Acupuncturists and proponents believe that acupuncture helps regulate the flow of energy, which proponents refer to as qi. This energy is pronounced or sometimes spelled by people as “chee.” Proponents of acupuncture believe that it helps a person regain balance and reverse the biological mechanisms that lead to obesity.
In acupuncture, a practitioner inserts thin needles into specific areas of the body to stimulate nerves and organs that regulate energy and metabolism, such as the endocrine system and thyroid. This can affect a person’s weight and help them lose weight.
Traditionally, people have widely used acupuncture to treat many health problems besides body pain. Effects on the nervous system and connective tissues have also been demonstrated.
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner. People may prefer it because it has fewer side effects than taking medication.
Mild, short-term side effects commonly caused by acupuncture include:
- Pain or tenderness at the needle site
- Bruising or bleeding at the needle site
- To feel dizzy
- faint
- sleepiness
Serious side effects are rare with acupuncture.Below is
To be on the safe side, you should research and find a licensed and trained practitioner to practice in your state.
Most practitioners do not recommend acupuncture for people who have the following symptoms:
As with any weight loss method, it usually takes several sessions to see changes. Losing 10 to 15 pounds requires frequent treatments over an extended period of up to 8 weeks with multiple visits per week.
The program is highly dependent on the acupuncturist, but most acupuncturists will reduce the number of visits as the program progresses.
If lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet aren’t helping you reach your weight loss goals, you may want to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend medications to help.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend bariatric surgery. Qualifications for bariatric surgery include:
- BMI is 35 or higher
- If you have type 2 diabetes and your BMI is over 30
- People with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 who do not see significant weight loss or improvement in comorbidities using non-surgical methods
It is also important to consult your doctor before trying alternative or non-traditional treatments for weight loss.
Your doctor may also recommend a nationally certified acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is a type of complementary therapy used by some people to lose weight.
Research shows that acupuncture may help reduce BMI and weight. This is done by reversing the mechanisms associated with appetite and energy metabolism.
Acupuncture is generally safe, but finding a qualified practitioner is essential to ensuring safety. Multiple sessions may be required to see results, and costs vary by program.
