Acupuncture – the prick to weight loss?

Does accupuncture actually work for weight loss? Anything but exercise and portion control seems a sham.

— rv (@Puppyvedi) January 14, 2014

Hi @mizarcle,

While the short answer to your question is probably ‘no’, here’s the science  behind it.

According to a study reported in the December 2013 issue of Acupuncture in Medicine journal, placing five acupuncture needles in the outer ear may help you lose weight.

This is based on the theory that the outer ear represents all parts of the body and the placement of these needles increases metabolism which ‘promotes the consumption of body fat, overall, resulting in weight loss’.

However, there is a belief among some doctors that this acupuncture weight loss study was too small in size, limited to just 91 individuals, to offer real proof of being a successful weight loss therapy.

If and when a study covers a larger group of people, then we’ll have the statistical proof as to whether acupuncture really works or not. Other studies on weight loss through acupuncture and alternative means have had mixed results, according to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

We’re pretty confident that there is no easy way to lose weight quickly that comes up. Until it does, we’d say getting the right nutrition and some exercise are your best bets to losing weight and leading a healthy life!

Hope this answers your question!