Review on the effects of obesity treatment with acupuncture and phytoacupuncture

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Santos, RV (Author) FMUP; Rodrigues, JM (Author) Other; Jesus, MI (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: World Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion

Vol. 30

Pages: 223-228

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-FCR

DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2020.07.002

Abstract (EN): Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the impact on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity, specifically the usage of acupuncture and phytoacupuncture. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials, which the methodology focused on the use of acupuncture and phytoacupuncture for the treatment of obesity from the beginning of these databases to February 2018, supplementing with literature retrospective and manual searches. Results: A total of 8 trials including 566 participants met the selected criteria. In the alterations of the body mass index and waist circumference, acupuncture and phytoacupuncture seems to have a positive effect as opposed to the subjects who received superficial acupuncture or none. However, there were other parameters that showed promising results such as improvements in the levels of (1) serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and serum fasting triglyceride, (2) serum insulin and leptin, plasma ghrelin and cholecystokinin and (3) serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance, as well as improvements in (4) skin fat thickness in the upper limbs, trunk and abdomen, (5) abdominal fat and deep subcutaneous fat tissue. The main acupoints employed in the selected studies are found along several meridians such as the stomach, spleen and conception vessel, and the plants used had the main objective of accelerating the metabolism, reducing appetite and resolving the unbalances in the genesis of obesity. Conclusion: It is suggested that acupuncture and phytoacupuncture can be useful tools for weight loss. When combined with a life-style change, they can contribute to achieve better results than just a lifestyle change by itself. Nevertheless, the need for further studies to clarify mechanisms of action and adequacy of protocols in order to obtain more homogeneous results is also present.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6