Can Acupuncture Help for Weight Loss?
Written By: Dr. Kristen Burris, DAcCHM
Acupuncture is one part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and it is important to find an acupuncturist who has both degrees in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine because acupuncture alone is not a comprehensive way to address weight loss. However, studies like to compartmentalize what they are studying to get an accurate picture of what medical procedure or holistic therapy works for weight loss. Separating acupuncture from Traditional Chinese Medicine is a mistake when considering weight loss options. However, that does not mean that in a well-rounded approach to weight loss acupuncture shall not be considered when in fact it shows a lot of promise in many areas that are related to weight loss and all the complicated facets that affect one’s weight. Acupuncture has shown to help regulate our hormones and the endocrine system, stimulates metabolism, promotes proper digestion, curbs cravings and attenuates oxidative stress.
Acupuncture has shown a positive effect when attempting to lose weight and with the management of simple obesity. Many clinical studies as well as animal studies have demonstrated the potential mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity. Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can promote digestion, regulates endocrine system, improve constipation, attenuates oxidative stress, and modulates relevant molecules of metabolism in patients who suffer from obesity. Evidence from laboratory studies indicate that acupuncture can modulate inflammatory responses in the body, regulates lipid metabolism, and promotes white adipose tissue browning (brown fat breaks down blood sugar (glucose) and fat molecules to create heat and help maintain body temperature) . Acupuncture can suppress appetite through regulating appetite regulatory hormones and the downstream signaling pathway. Studies have specifically found that acupuncture decreased insulin and leptin levels resulting in weight loss and a decreased Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to sham acupuncture. Additionally, studies showed increases in ghrelin and cholecystokinin (hormones needed to feel satiety to signal to stop eating in the brain) (Gucel et al 2012). The combined evidence from clinical and animal studies indicate that acupuncture provides multifaceted regulation through complex mechanisms in the body and brain suggesting a single factor may not be enough to explain the beneficial effects to combat obesity.
Weight loss is complicated. Weight gain can be complicated. We have known causes and unknown causes. We have side-effects particularly from fertility drugs, hormones, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. People suffer from metabolic dysfunctions, thyroid diseases, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, PCOS and genetic predisposition. We have gut problems, sleep disruptions and stress that all influence our weight. Offering different approaches often is the key to success with weight loss. Functional medicine is an additional testing we offer at Eagle Acupuncture to look at gut, infections, hormonal imbalance or thyroid problems. We can then customize an approach to weight loss from a holistic perspective. We often recommend meeting with a nutritionist for those who don’t know what to how much to eat. We have respected colleagues we refer out to for this expertise.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications offer a hormone that help regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 RAs including Semaglutide, Wegovy, Ozempic, Tirzepatide (Zepbound) mimic this hormone and promote the feeling of fullness, reduce appetite and slow down stomach emptying. These work well for most people; however the side-effects can be life altering, debilitating and can even send a person to the emergency room. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunct therapy to aid with the most common side-effects that include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux. If you are having these side-effects it is critical to talk to the prescribing doctor and lower your dose immediately. Once a healthy dose is found and tolerated by the patient, treatment can resume safely.
Emotions too play a role in weight loss. Depression, anxiety, eating one’s emotions or emotional eating, eating disorders, binge eating all have a significant emotional component. Acupuncture has been proven to take a person out of fight or flight and calm their nervous system. Addressing all aspects of weight loss is key to lasting weight loss and the prevention of weight gain.
A personalized approach with or with medications, with or without surgery all benefit from the addition of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese herbal medicine and functional medicine testing. We offer a well-rounded approach to helping you reach a healthy weight. Call us today to set up your appointment and develop a plan specific to your weight loss goals.
Güçel F, Bahar B, Demirtas C, Mit S, Cevik C. Influence of acupuncture on leptin, ghrelin, insulin and cholecystokinin in obese women: a randomised, sham-controlled preliminary trial. Acupunct Med. 2012 Sep;30(3):203-7. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010127. Epub 2012 Jun 22. PMID: 22729015.