Arthritis, Acupuncture, and Weight Loss

The effectiveness of ear electroacupuncture on appetite and weight control was investigated in 3 separate studies.

The researchers wanted to know if acupuncture could be used to decrease the weight of patients with arthritis thereby lessening the load on weight bearing joints. Three seperate studies were done.

In the first study ear acupuncture was used in both a treatment group and a placebo group. The points used in the treatment group were: Stomach and Hunger points. The placebo group were treated in sham ear points. The results showed that the treatment group had acquired significant appetite control. The placebo group did not show any appetite control.

In the second study 3 points were used. In addition to Stomach and Hunger they also used a point called Shen Men which has an overall calming effect. There were 61 obese people in this second study, which lasted for 8 weeks. Out of the 61 people, 43 also took part in an exercise program. The subjects were also put on a low calorie diet. The results of this second study showed that 79% of the objese subjects who were sucessful in following a low calorie diet had weight loss. The 43 people who also exercise had an increased weight loss.

In the third study 19 obese patients who also had artrhitis of the knee were treated with electroacupuncture where low currents of electricity are sent to the acupuncture needles. These 19 subjects also took part in a diet and exercise regimen. Results showed that 89% of them lost 5-10 kg.
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Electroacupuncture and exercise in body weight reduction and their application in rehabilitating patients with knee osteoarthritis. Shafshak TS. Am J Chin Med 1995;23(1):15-25