Hormonal
Acupuncture acts as a multi-targeted therapy for obesity by modulating the neuro-endocrine-immune interplay, specifically by regulating hypothalamic neuropeptides (increasing POMC/alpha-MSH, decreasing NPY/AgRP), improving leptin sensitivity, and reducing chronic low-grade inflammation.
If standard diet and exercise efforts are stalled by biological barriers like leptin resistance or chronic inflammation, acupuncture may serve as a complementary multi-targeted therapy. It works by regulating appetite hormones and reducing inflammation. However, because techniques and acupoints vary widely, consistency and professional guidance are key.
Acupuncture involves multiple therapeutic mechanisms, including regulation of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, inhibition of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and an immune-modulating action through a reduction in levels of proinflammatory cytokines.
Why this rating
The paper is a narrative review citing both animal and human studies, but notes strong heterogeneity in acupuncture techniques and a lack of standardized protocols.
Source
Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay
Raymond Guy Landgraaf et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2023
DOI 10.3389/fendo.2023.1236370
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