title: Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Anthropometric Measurements and Appetite Sensations in Obese Subjects.
abstract: Purpose. A patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial was performed to investigate the effectiveness of laser acupuncture on anthropometric measurements and appetite sensation in obese subjects. Methods. Fifty-two obese subjects were randomly assigned to either the laser acupuncture group or the sham laser acupuncture group. Subjects within each group received the relevant treatment three times a week for 8 weeks. After a two-week washout period, the subjects then received the treatment of the opposite group for another 8 weeks. BMI, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, hip circumference, and appetite sensations were measured before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results. BMI, body fat percentage, WHR, waist circumference, and hip circumference decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the laser acupuncture group compared to baseline but there was no decrease in those variables in the sham laser acupuncture group. Laser acupuncture significantly improved scores on the fullness, hunger, satiety, desire to eat, and overall well-being relative to the baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Laser acupuncture is well tolerated and improves anthropometric measurements and appetite sensations in obese subjects.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chi-Chuan
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2406-5979
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1L7.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G3.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.affiliation: Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chia-Hao
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chang