Novel insights into weight loss: acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet—a Swiss experience

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an acupuncture–diet program for treatment of overweight and obesity. Methods: The program consisted of weekly acupuncture sessions combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or above. Data were collected retrospectively between 2002 and 2021 in seven clinics in Switzerland through automated data extraction of existing medical records. The treatments described are standard care at the facilities where they took place. Results: A total of 11,233 patients were included. In those with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, a positive effect on body weight was noted with a peak average body weight loss of approximately 17.5 kg reached after 7 months. Long-term stabilization was at about 15.5 kg after 18 months. Significant male–female differences (p < 0.01) were observed with women losing less weight. Differences were also noted between overweight, obese and extremely obese patients suggesting a BMI-dependent effect. Maximum weight loss of patients with BMI of 35 kg/m2 or above was 29.8 ± 12 kg, while it was 18.8 ± 8 kg for obese patients (BMI = 30–34.9 kg/m2) and 12 ± 7 kg for overweight patients (BMI = 25–29.9 kg/m2), reflecting a significant overall difference between groups (p < 0.01). Compliance to the protocol by patients and physicians seemed to be another differentiating factor; more adherent patients appeared to lose more weight and preserve body weight loss better over time. Conclusion: Although this study lacked a control group and was retrospective and observational in nature, a program of acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet appeared to be effective at inducing weight loss among obese patients. The observed weight reduction in this retrospective chart review represents a good starting point for further investigation of this approach via a comparative evaluation.

Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay

“…In the few studies in adults, sex distribution differs between studies, ranging from women only ( 49 ) to two-thirds of the population subgroups being women ( 53 , 198 , 199 ). Recent studies reported that changes in the gut microbiota associated to metabolic illnesses are different in men and women ( 201 ) and this could be translated to acupuncture treatment ( 50 ). To the best of our knowledge, no studies analysing acupuncture in combination with gut microbiota analysis in children have been performed to date.…”

“…A synergetic effect between lifestyle modifications and acupuncture is therefore suggested and this combined intervention may be a more effective and viable option. Recently, a large-scale retrospective chart review was performed of 11,233 obese patients with combined acupuncture and VLCD underscored that the combination can induce weight reduction in obese patients ( 50 ). However, due to the lack of a control group, a prospective trial is needed to validate these findings and therefore such RCT is currently executed.…”