Patients in the acupuncture group lost an average of 4.8 kilograms (10.6 pounds) per person from baseline to study conclusion. Patients who followed the diet and exercise program, but who were not treated with acupuncture, lost an average of 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds) over the same period of time. Nine acupuncture patients lost at least 5 kilograms during the course of treatment; only three control patients experienced the same type of weight loss.
In the control group, patients were instructed to follow a restricted diet that required them to consume two-thirds of their usual dietary intake and to limit fat intake to a maximum of 50 grams per day for five weeks . They were also asked to follow an aerobic exercise program that required between 20 minutes and 30 minutes of walking, cycling or swimming three times per week for the study's duration.
Patients in the acupuncture group were asked to follow the same diet and exercise regimen as the control group, but also received a 20 minute acupuncture session twice a week for five weeks. In addition, a small patch containing a stainless steel pellet was taped over the hunger point of each ear, just in front of the tragus, and worn for the duration of the study. Patients were asked to press on the pellets for one minute upon waking, before each meal or snack, and at other times in the morning and afternoon.
The exact mechanism by which acupuncture supports weight loss is unknown. However it is known that acupuncture releases endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect on recipients to eliminate comfort eating. Endorphins also affect the digestive and hormonal systems and can support and rebalance the metabolism.