Subjects selected for inclusion had normal physical examination findings and did not have hypertension, diabetes, nephropathy, heart failure, and were not receiving any medications. Female obese volunteers who wanted to be involved in this study underwent the selection process and 40 of these with BMI>30 were accepted after routine medical examinations. An acupuncture study was announced in a university hospital (Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Obstetrics and Gynecology Training and Research Hospital) for employees and people attending routine wellness examinations. The subject selection process was as follows. The researchers note, “acupuncture treatment decreased insulin and leptin levels and induced weight loss, together with a decrease in BMI compared with sham acupuncture.” The true acupuncture group also demonstrated significant improvements in mean plasma ghrelin and CCK levels. The mean serum insulin and leptin levels in the acupuncture group were lower than in the sham acupuncture group by 8.27 μIU/ml and 6.17 ng/ml respectively. Differences between the two study groups in these parameters were documented. No significant change was seen in these variables after sham treatment.
After 5 weeks of acupuncture treatment, mean serum insulin and leptin levels decreased by 6.87 μIU/ml (43%) and 3.32 ng/ml (25%) respectively. Laboratory data supports the conclusions of the researchers in this controlled clinical trial. In addition, a World Health Organization Report on acupuncture states that acupuncture demonstrates a therapeutic effect for the treatment of obesity. The downside to anti-obesity medications and surgery is the potential for iatrogenic illness. Weight control treatments include diet therapy, behavioral treatment, pharmacotherapy, surgical procedures, and acupuncture. The risk of hypertension, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, gallbladder disease, and some types of cancer are higher for overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) individuals. Obesity is an increasingly prevalent chronic condition that is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Based on the evidence, the hospital researchers conclude that acupuncture treatment regulates weight for patients with obesity. The controlled study documents that sham acupuncture does not produce significant positive patient outcomes, only true acupuncture achieves clinical results.
The laboratory findings, including serum levels of insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and cholecystokinin are consistent with the results. In a five week clinical trial, patients receiving acupuncture achieved a 2.9 kg mean weight loss and the decrease in mean BMI (body mass index) was 1.43. Results were obtained by implementing a protocolized body acupuncture point prescription without a diet or exercise program. Researchers find acupuncture effective for the treatment of obesity.
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