Who couldn’t stand to lose a few pounds? The statistics show in 2012, research indicated that 108 million Americans actively pursued diets, often attempting four to five annually. The U.S. weight loss industry, encompassing diet books, drugs, and surgeries, generated over $20 billion in revenue that year. Many individuals engage in weight cycling, or yo-yo dieting, repeatedly losing weight, regaining it with extra pounds, and dieting again, perpetuating a challenging cycle.
To learn more about how acupuncture can help with weight loss, contact Dr. Tony Willcox for a consultation. Pick up the phone and call 561-274-4447 or contact us online.
Other people choose to go on a medical route to address their weight loss needs. Who hasn’t heard of the horrors of fen-phen, deaths from the stimulant epinephrine, diet pills containing tapeworms, or the oily discharge caused as a side effect of some diet pills? What about bariatric, weight loss surgery? Sure, many people lose weight because the surgery shrinks the size of the stomach and bypasses much of the intestinal tract, causing people to absorb much less of the nutrients in food. After bariatric surgery, the digestive system is never again able to work the way it was intended to work.
There are many reasons people become overweight. Poor nutrition, unhealthy food supply, chemicals, or toxins in the food chain, hormone imbalances, slow metabolism, over-eating, genetic predisposition, or a lack of exercise are some of the common reasons. Doesn’t it seem there should be a more natural, gentle way to correct the underlying causes of weight gain instead of turning to fad diets, diet pills with side effects, or major surgery?
Acupuncture is one method many people are finding an effective way to assist them in their weight loss journey. In traditional Chinese medicine, weight gain is seen as an imbalance in the energy flow to and from the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates metabolism. Acupuncture restores the balance in the flow of this energy, called “qi.” When this balance is corrected, the hypothalamus works properly, restoring the body’s metabolism to an active, healthy state. Research shows that acupuncture influences the hormones related to obesity, ghrelin, and leptin, and restores them to healthy, effective levels. Acupuncture can also curb the appetite, improve digestion, and strengthen the liver. A healthy lifestyle is still needed to lose weight, but acupuncture can work hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle to lead to a more effective and long-lasting weight loss journey.
Medical research supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in assisting with weight loss. One recent study comparing acupuncture with prescription diet drugs showed that acupuncture is just as effective in assisting with weight loss without any of the side effects of weight loss medications. Another study researchers reviewed 31 studies on acupuncture’s efficacy for obesity in the International Journal of Obesity. Acupuncture significantly reduced average body weight compared to lifestyle changes alone. It also outperformed conventional obesity medications. Obesity remains a complex issue. No quick fixes exist for being overweight. Good nutrition, active living, and stress reduction promote health. Adding acupuncture supports achieving and maintaining ideal weight.
Dr. Tony Willcox at Acupuncture Zen in Delray Beach, Florida, creates personalized treatment plans. His acupuncture can help patients live healthier naturally.
To book with Dr. Willcox, call 561-274-4447 or schedule online. Discover how acupuncture aids weight loss.