Effects of auricular acupressure combined with low-calorie diet on the leptin hormone in obese and overweight Iranian individuals.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether auricular acupressure combined with a low-calorie diet could reduce plasma leptin levels in obese individuals.
Results Summary
Auricular acupressure combined with a low-calorie diet significantly reduced plasma leptin levels (18.57%) and body fat mass (4%) compared to the control group. These changes were statistically significant and not observed in the sham procedure group.
Population
Volunteers with BMIs between 25 and 45 kg/m² (n=86).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
auricular acupressure combined with low-calorie diet | decrease | plasma leptin levels | Volunteers with body mass indices (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m² | 18.57% | significant reductions | #1 |
auricular acupressure combined with low-calorie diet | decrease | body fat mass | Volunteers with body mass indices (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m² | 4% | significant reductions | #2 |
low-calorie diet | no change | plasma leptin levels | control group | - | These changes were not observed | #3 |
low-calorie diet | no change | body fat mass | control group | - | These changes were not observed | #4 |
BACKGROUND: Human leptin is a peptide hormone that is released from white adipocytes. The absence of leptin or its receptor leads to uncontrolled food intake, leading to obesity. In the present work, the effects of auricular acupressure combined with low-calorie diet on the leptin hormone level were investigated. METHODS: Volunteers (n=86) with body mass indices (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m² were randomised into a case (n=43) or a control (n=43) group. Participants in each group received a low-calorie diet for 6 weeks. The case group was treated with auricular acupressure and the control group received a sham procedure. Plasma leptin levels, body fat mass, body weight and BMI were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Participants who received auricular acupressure showed significant reductions in their plasma leptin levels (18.57%, p<0.01) as well as in their body fat mass (4%, p<0.05). These changes were not observed in the control group. The reduction in leptin was significantly greater in the acupressure group than the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Auricular acupressure combined with a low-calorie diet significantly reduced plasma levels of leptin. However, the mechanism of this reduction is not clear.