The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in female patients - A prospective randomized placebo-controlled pilot study

Background: Obesity is a chronic condition related to serious morbidity and mortality of increasing incidence and prevalence. Several studies show a significantly higher weight loss with acupuncture treatment. This is the first prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, testing the effects of auricular electroacupuncture on weight loss in obese female patients. Methods: 56 female obese patients (age > 18, Body Mass Index, BMI >25) were randomized to receive either auricular acupuncture with electrical stimulation with a P-Stim (R) device (verunn group, n=28) or placebo treatment with a P-Stim (R) dummy (n=28) for four days. Three auricular acupuncture points were chosen (hunger 18, stomach 87 and colon 91). The treatment was performed once a week for a period of six weeks. A follow-up visit was performed after 4 weeks. At each visit body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat were measured. Results: Relative reduction of body weight was significantly greater in the verum group (-3.73%; CI = -4.70 to -2.76) than in the placebo group (-0.70%; CI = -1.57 to +0.16; p < 0.001) In addition we also observed a significant reduction of BMI (p < 0.001) in the verum group (-3.62%; CI = -4.39 to -2.84) compared to placebo (-0.82%; CI = -1.55 to -0.10; p<0.001). No patient reported side effects related to acupuncture. Conclusion: In conclusion electrical auricular acupuncture could be a safe, additive, nonpharmacological treatment in obese patients. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.