Acupuncture and moxibustion for weight loss is suitable for people with simple obesity

According to the World Health Organization, obesity refers to an excessive accumulation of body fat that destroys body shape and threatens health. With the progress of civilization, modern people generally suffer from overnutrition, especially in developed countries. The number of obese people is increasing, and weight loss has become a hot topic among everyone. Acupuncture, a long-standing Chinese therapy, remains popular today, and even many more specialized weight loss therapies have been developed.

Acupuncture weight loss is more effective for people with simple obesity. However, in addition to acupuncture, people who want to lose weight also need to control their diet and exercise more. (Photography by Huang Zhiwen)

Who is suitable for acupuncture weight loss?

There are many different types of obesity. The most common one is called "simple obesity", which accounts for about 95% of the obese population. Patients with this type of obesity have a relatively even distribution of body fat, no endocrine disorders, and no metabolic disorders. Their families often have a history of obesity.

Acupuncture therapy is usually more effective for this type of simple obesity, while it is more difficult to treat secondary obesity caused by endocrine disorders or metabolic disorders. However, this type only accounts for about 2% to 5% of the obese population. Although they also have the characteristics of excessive fat deposition in the body, they still mainly manifest themselves in the clinical symptoms of primary diseases. Obesity is only one of the important symptoms of this type of patients.

Acupuncture therapy also needs to be combined with diet and exercise

The so-called restricted diet refers to controlling the food intake within a certain range guided by a doctor. In order to lose weight, many people resort to excessive dieting, as if they can only lose weight by eating less and being so hungry that they can't stand it. But in fact, losing weight is not just about starving yourself. The key is to reduce fat intake and increase energy consumption.

Consume protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, fish and soy products in a certain amount of time. Protein is not only the main source of body tissue, but also provides calories and regulates physiological functions. Therefore, obese people should reduce their intake of carbohydrates and fats rather than protein.

As for the most suitable exercises for weight loss, they must improve cardiopulmonary function and ensure that the heart rate during exercise can reach the maximum heart rate (maximum heart rate = 220-age). Jogging, race walking, cycling, swimming, skipping rope, etc. are very suitable. The recommended exercise time is about 30 minutes each time, 3 to 4 times a week.