This study (Abdi et al, 2012) included 196 subjects from Quem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m2. They were randomized into 2 groups of equal size. The case group received body acupuncture with manipulation and electroacupuncture while the control group received sham acupuncture with very superficial needling at inaccurate locations and disconnected electric lines. A standard point selection protocol was administered plus one of two sets of points chosen if patients had higher or lower energy. Each subject received two treatments per week for 6 weeks while on a low-calorie diet. After, a low-calorie diet with no treatment was continued for six weeks. Body weight (BW) and other anthropometric measurements, as well as blood samples were collected at the start of the trial, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks. 79 subjects in the case group and 82 subjects in the control group completed the 12 week trial. Analysis showed acupuncture was more effective in reduction of WC and HC than in the sham group and had lowered levels of immune-related inflammatory markers. Hs-CRP was not significantly changed in both the case and control groups. Acupuncture produces reduced levels of anti-heat shock protein antibodies while the control did not.
Reference
Abdi H., Zhao B., Darbandi M., Ghayour-Mobarhan M., Tavallaie S., Rahsepar A.A., Parizadeh S.M., Safariyan M., Nemeti M., Mohammadi M., Abbasi-Parizad P., Darbandi S., Akhlaghi S., Ferns G.A. (2012). The effects of acupuncture on obesity: anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory and immunologic markers. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, 603539. http://doi.org/10.1100/2012/603539