Effect of 2 Hz Electroacupuncture Application and Diet Restriction on The Levels of Beta Endorphin, Acth and Cortisol in The Obesity Treatment

Aim: To evaluate the effect of EA application at 2 Hz and diet restriction on the levels of serum beta endorphin, ACTH and cortisol in obese women. Material and Method: EA application and diet restriction was applied on 22 women who had the mean age of 40.95±5.08 and Body Mass Index (BMI) of 33.18±2.23 and only diet restriction was performed on 22 women who had the mean age of 43.09±3.52 and BMI 33.77±2.61. EA was performed on ear points of Hungry, Shenmen and Stomach and body points of KB 4, KB 11, Mi 25, Mi 36, Mi 44, Kc 3 and Da 3 once a week to ear and body points and twice a week only body points for 30 minutes for a 20 days period. Diet restriction was organized for 20 days to give a daily 1400 kcal diet. Results: Weight loss of 3,83% was observed with EA and diet application whereas 3.05% loss was observed with diet restriction alone. Comparison of effects of ACTH, cortisol and beta endorphin on body weigths of the patients in the groups of EA and diet application and diet restriction alone were made with Mann Whitney U test. Additionally the differences between the mean values of basic variables also compared with Mann Whitneyu test. An increase at the weight loss was observed in EA and diet group compared to the diet restriction group alone (p<0.001). Similarly when the differences were compared between the groups significant increases were observed in the levels of serum ACTH (p<0.01), cortisol (p< 0.05) and beta endorphin (p<0.001) in the EA and diet group compared to the diet group alone. Conclusion: It was observed that EA application at the frequency of 2 Hz in addition to diet restriction caused more weight loss than the diet restriction alone in obese individuals. This may be due to the lipolytic effect of increased beta endorphin and ACTH with EA application.