Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Does It Work?
By Michael A. Smith, MD, Thu Dec 8th

Acupuncture for weight loss is a modern application of thisancient medical practice. This article reports on the conclusionof it's safety and effectiveness following an extensiveexamination of the published evidence. For the complete report,please visit the URL displayed in the author bio.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Safety

Acupuncture for losing weight is a safe practice when a dieterundergoes 1-3 sessions within 3 to 4 weeks of starting atraditional method of weight loss.

Common side effects, rarely reported by dieters, includeheadache, nausea, and vertigo (losing balance). Severe adverseevents, like neurological damage or death, have never occurredwithin 3 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Unfortunetly, no conclusions can be made beyond 4 weeks becauseof a lack of safety data. The studies found to examineacupuncture's safety do not follow subjects past 4 weeks. Theones that did attempt to follow subjects past 4 weeks, show manyinconsistancies.

Until more data becomes available on acupuncture's safety beyond4 weeks, no final conclusion can be made.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Does it Work?

After examining several published studies, acupuncture forweight loss, when combined with traditional methods of dietinglike caloric restriction and exercise, does increase the amountof weight loss experienced by dieters.

In some studies, the difference between those using acupunctureand those not, was statistically significant. However, like thesafety data, the conclusion that acupuncture does increase theamount of weight loss can only be made up to 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks, the data becomes inconsistant and incomplete. Tomake a conclusion beyond 4 weeks will require more data.

Acupuncture as a sole method to help dieters lose weight has notbeen studied enough to make a conclusion. The studies that areavailable are not designed properly and do not include enoughsubjects.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- The Final Verdict

By undergoing 1-3 sessions within 3-4 weeks and when combinedwith tradtional methods of weight loss, acupuncture does work toincrease the amount of weight lost by dieters.

No conclusion can be made on the safety and effectiveness ofacupuncture beyond 4 weeks because of a lack of data.

To Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, MD

Chief Medical Consultant

Diet Basics Website

About the author:Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for Diet Basics, acontent rich weight loss web site dedicated to all dieters.Visit his site at www.weight-loss-professional.com/articles