Recently my daily Google news alert for acupuncture has been blowing up with headlines about new research showing that acupuncture may help you lose weight. Can it really? Today’s episode of the podcast takes a closer look.

A press release by researchers in Japan, and accompanying presentation at the 2023 European Congress on Obesity, is what kicked off the latest flurry of news stories about weight loss and acupuncture. In their study, researchers concluded that “acupuncture on the ear may aid weight loss when paired with diet and exercise. It’s likely that acupuncture has a positive effect by curbing cravings and appetite, improving digestion, and boosting metabolism.”

But is it really that simple? (It’s not)

Also, why do researchers and doctors fixate on body mass index, aka BMI? Is it a true reflection of a person’s state of health? (Not really)

But isn’t being overweight bad for your health? (That’s debatable)

Why is our society so weird about weight anyway? (Blame capitalism)

This episode tackles the question of whether or not acupuncture can help you lose weight…and a whole lot more.

Love and gratitude,

Your Acupuncturist

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References:

2023 press release: Ear acupuncture with beads may help shed the pounds

2020 study: Auricular acupuncture with beads helps support sustained weight loss

Summary of auricular acupuncture research

Maintenance Phase: The Body Mass Index

Maintenance Phase: The Obesity Epidemic

Maintenance Phase: Is Being Fat Bad for You?

Global Weight Loss and Weight Management Market Size

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