People try all kinds of things when they’re trying to shed a few pounds, including cryotherapy, hypnotism, and even acupuncture. And while having those tiny acupuncture needles inserted is known to reduce stress, physical pain, and allergies, can it really help you lose weight? Experts say it’s not so cut and dry.
Dr. Reshmi Srinath, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at Mt. Sinai explains that there aren’t enough controlled, randomized studies to prove a direct link between weight loss and acupuncture. “I do, however, think there are benefits,” she says. “It certainly can’t hurt.”
Licensed acupuncturist Daniel Hsu says it activates your “feel good” neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, and that helps you lose weight. But “acupuncture isn’t magic,” he warns. “It doesn’t make fat melt off your body, but studies show it can affect the part of the brain that feels hunger.”
Just know you’re going to have to keep getting acupuncture for six to eight weeks to see results. Having acupuncture once is like going to the gym once, you won’t see a difference in one session. And Hsu points out that you have to be in the right mindset, if you’re hellbent on eating, acupuncture won’t stop you.
But if you think acupuncture helps, it could lead to making better choices about diet and exercise, which ultimately could help you lose weight. Like the doc said, it can’t hurt.
Source: Women's Health