It was aimed to observe the efficacy of body acupuncture and
auricular acupuncture for the management of
obesity. Fifty female obese patients were randomized into 2 groups; a Body Acupuncture Group (GBA; n=25) and an
Auricular Acupuncture Group (GAA; n=25). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Their anthropometric measurements (
body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference) were recorded for analysis in every 15 days. Patients were compared in terms of anthropometric measurements. Patients in the GAA received 6 sessions of
auricular acupuncture in every 15 days. We used bilateral 2 points namely anti-aggression point and stomach point for
auricular acupuncture. Bilateral L14, LIll, ST25, ST36, SP6, SP9, CV12, and CV6 points were selected for two times in a week (totally 24 sessions) in the GBA. Independent samples t test, patients in GAA completed the study. The mean age of patients was 36.2±10.5 years (GBA: 32.7±12.3; GAA: 39.1±7.9). The mean weight was 95.7±11.8 kg before acupuncture, and it decreased to 92.5±14.4 kg after acupuncture in GBA; and it was 95.1±15.6 kg before acupuncture and it decreased to 91.5±11.0 kg after acupuncture in GAA. Change in weight after acupuncture was 2.6±2.4 kg in GBA, and 4.2±3.4 kg in GAA (p<0.05). In both groups, changes in
weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only one patient reported side effect related to acupuncture. Body acupuncture and
auricular acupuncture have the therapeutic role in the management of
obesity. In this study,
auricular acupuncture is more effective in reducing
body weight than body acupuncture. Thus, auricular may be useful and safe, non-pharmacological treatment.