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Acupuncture/acupressure for weight reduction? A systematic review
1Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|January 31, 1997
Summary
Acupuncture and acupressure are often promoted for weight loss, but rigorous clinical trials show no significant effect on body weight or appetite control. Evidence does not support these therapies for weight management.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Complementary Therapies
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Acupuncture and acupressure are widely promoted for appetite control and weight reduction.
- Existing evidence often comes from uncontrolled studies with encouraging, yet unverified, results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review placebo/sham-controlled clinical trials on the efficacy of acupuncture and acupressure for weight management.
- To assess the scientific basis for claims regarding acupuncture/acupressure's effects on appetite and body weight.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two independent literature searches to identify relevant placebo/sham-controlled trials.
- Analyzed the methodological quality and results of the identified studies.
Main Results:
- Identified four placebo/sham-controlled trials, all with significant methodological flaws.
- Results across studies were contradictory; the most rigorous trials demonstrated no effect on body weight.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence from high-quality clinical trials does not support the effectiveness of acupuncture or acupressure for reducing appetite or body weight.
- Claims of specific benefits for weight management are not substantiated by well-performed clinical trials.