The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Obesity

The Effect of Low Frequency Electroacupuncture on Waist Circumference in Obesity-Three Arm Randomized Controlled Trial, Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether electroacupuncture is effective on waist circumference in obesity.

Many studies have reported on the beneficial effects of acupuncture for obesity, although some negative reports also existed.(Wang F. et al. 2008)Recently conducted systematic review of Pittler and Ernst reported that there was insufficient, but not conclusive evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture and acupressure for weight loss. However, most of these studies had methodological limitation, such as lack of adequate control group or unclear specific effect of electroacupuncture alone because auricular acupuncture was administered as well. In this sudy, we had three-arm randomized controlled trial(with sham control group) to investigate whether electroacupuncture is effective in the treatment of obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Waist circumference: Male>= 90 cm, Female >= 85 cm
• BMI over than 25kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary obesity caused by endocrine disease, e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism etc.
• Heart disease,e.g.,arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and patient with pacemaker
• Hypertension, hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterinemia patients on medication
• Stroke or otherwise unable to exercise
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Childbirth within 6 months
• Management for weight control within 3 months
• Any other conditions deemed unsuitable for trial as evaluated by the physician-in-charge