Acupuncture for Weight Loss: Does it Really Work? - Anchored In Health

Curious if acupuncture could help you lose weight? It’s possible. Acupuncture is a popular treatment for pain, headaches, and insomnia. But according to some studies, it may help you slim down, too.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting thin needles at certain points to balance the body’s flow of energy. This can have downstream effects on stress, hormones, and appetite, which can all affect weight.

So if you’ve hit a plateau and feel like it’s time to try something new, keep reading. We’ll break down how holistic acupuncture for weight loss works and how many sessions it may take to see a shift.

Can Acupuncture Help You Lose Weight?

Close-up of an acupuncturist in the Chicago area preparing a needle, reflecting holistic care offered by a functional medicine doctor in Orland Park, IL.

Research suggests it can.

For example, a 2025 review looked at 64 studies on acupuncture for weight loss. Participants who received acupuncture lost significantly more weight than those in the control group. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were also significantly reduced.¹

A 2020 review on simple obesity showed similar results. It found that acupuncture was more effective than “sham acupuncture” at reducing weight and body fat.² This means the results weren’t simply the placebo effect at play.

Another review from 2018 echoed these findings. It found that acupuncture significantly reduced weight, BMI, and body fat compared to sham acupuncture.³ On top of that, acupuncture led to more weight loss than diet and exercise alone.³

Acupuncture can also be combined with other weight loss methods for extra support. A 2017 review found that acupuncture significantly reduces BMI on its own and when combined with lifestyle changes.⁴

The best part? Studies suggest the results can happen quite quickly. One small study gave participants either ear acupuncture or a placebo. Those who received ear acupuncture lost significantly more weight compared to the control group in just one week.⁵ Changes in the “hunger” hormone ghrelin were also noted, which may help explain the results.

The takeaway? Research suggests acupuncture can support weight loss. But how exactly does it work? Let’s take a look at what may be going on beneath the surface.

How Does Acupuncture for Weight Loss Work?

According to TCM theory, acupuncture stimulates the flow of ‘Qi,’ your body’s life force energy. When this energy becomes blocked or imbalanced, it may lead to weight gain or other health issues.

Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specific points on the body to restore energy flow. This may help reverse certain imbalances that can hinder weight loss.

Shows an acupuncturist in the chicago area providing acupuncture services. Represents how a holistic doctor in chicago, il may offer more holistic services that can be tailored to you.

Here are a few ways acupuncture may help with weight loss:

Calms the nervous system. Acupuncture has a soothing effect on the body and mind.⁶ This can help ease emotional eating and make it easier to choose healthy options.
Reduces stress. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can trigger cravings for sugary and fatty foods. Acupuncture helps shift your nervous system out of stress mode, which may help calm cravings.⁷
Balances hormones. Acupuncture may help regulate your appetite. Studies suggest it may balance the hunger and fullness hormones ghrelin and leptin.⁸
Improves sleep quality. People who sleep poorly are more likely to gain weight. Luckily, acupuncture is shown to improve sleep quality, which may help with weight loss.⁹
Reduces inflammation. Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. This may aid weight loss, since inflammation is a risk factor for weight gain.^10,11

While acupuncture can be a helpful tool for weight loss, it’s not a magic bullet. Real, lasting weight loss takes a holistic approach.

A nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep are all key. However, acupuncture can complement other weight loss methods and may enhance your results.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss Points

If you’re new to holistic acupuncture for weight loss, one question is bound to pop up: “Where do the needles go?” But there’s no easy answer here. Just like everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, so is their acupuncture treatment. The acupoints used depend on your body’s unique needs and may vary between sessions.

Shows an acupuncturist providing services to a client. Represents how acupuncture in orland park, il can help you with hormonal weight gain in orland park, il.

That said, here are some common acupuncture points used for weight loss:^12,13

Zusanli (ST36): This acupoint is a go-to for weight loss. Part of the stomach meridian, this point is located about three inches below the kneecap, just outside your shinbone. It’s thought to support digestion, boost energy, and regulate metabolism.
Zhongwan (CV12): Part of the conception vessel meridian, this acupoint is located four inches above your navel. It’s a favorite to support digestion and relieve gas and bloating.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): This acupoint sits on the inside of the lower leg, about three inches above the ankle bone. Stimulating this point is thought to calm the nervous system, balance hormones, and improve digestion.
Ear points: The outer ear is home to several points that may influence appetite and metabolism. This includes the hunger point, stomach point, and ear shenmen (TF4), which eases stress and relaxes the body.

Other points may be used depending on your specific concerns, whether that’s stress, sugar cravings, or digestive issues. Your acupuncturist will tailor each session to your individual needs.

Pros and Cons of Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Like any weight loss tool, acupuncture has its upsides and downsides. If you’re thinking about trying it out for weight loss, here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros

May support weight loss – the obvious one 😉
Natural and minimally invasive
Low risk of side effects, especially compared to treatments like GLP-1 weight loss drugs
Benefits go far beyond weight loss. It may help relieve pain, ease anxiety, support digestion, boost fertility, and enhance overall well-being.

Cons

May feel mild discomfort as the needles are inserted
Results typically require multiple sessions – one treatment likely won’t be enough
It’s not a cure-all. For weight loss to stick, healthy habits like nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management need to be addressed, too.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions are Needed for Weight Loss?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It varies from person to person, depending on each patient’s unique case. Some people may notice improvements after just a few sessions. Others may need more consistent treatment to see results. A course of 6-12 sessions spread out over eight weeks is a good place to start.

Trying to Lose Weight? Try Acupuncture in Orland Park & Chicago, IL

If you’ve been eating well and exercising but feel like your weight loss progress has stalled, you may just need a little extra support.

At Anchored in Health, our certified acupuncturist in the Chicago and Orland Park area brings 20 years of experience treating a wide range of health concerns. Whether you’re struggling with your weight, stress, digestion, or all the above, we’re here to help.

Live in the Chicago area and curious if acupuncture could be the extra nudge your body needs? Here’s how to get started:

Contact us with questions.
Book your first acupuncture session here.
Discover how acupuncture can support weight loss naturally.

Other Holistic Health Services at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, we provide a wide range of services to support whole-body health. This includes functional medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We also offer genetic testing, thermography, and Vibrant Wellness testing to get to the root of what’s driving your symptoms.

Ready to enhance weight loss naturally? Contact us today to find out how acupuncture can support your weight loss journey.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.