Assessment of BMI in obese patients after semiconductor laser acupuncture therapy

Abstract

Background/aim There is an urgent need to diminish BMI due to the increased prevalence of chronic critical diseases accompanied by overweight and obesity. Laser acupuncture (LA) is a complementary modality that might lower the BMI by diminishing the abdominal and visceral adipose tissue content and influencing the regulation of the lipid metabolism process. It is a painless tool which is almost free from side effects. The aim of the present study is to assess the BMI in obese patients after semiconductor LA therapy. Patients and methods This is a randomized clinical trial study that enrolled 111 obese patients who visited the Acupuncture and Laser Clinic, Excellence Medical Centre, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. They received 19 successive LA sessions for 2 months without any intervention concerning their routine lifestyle. Low-level laser irradiation was applied at certain acupuncture points according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Laser parameters were wavelength 850 nm, and power density 200 mW. Calculated energy 6 J/cm2 for 24 s per acupoints. The anthropometric measurements were done on all participants before and after the end of LA sessions. Results The present result indicated that there is a significant decrease in weight (P<0.05), with a percent of changes –5.8%. Additionally, the BMI showed a significant decrease (P<0.05), with a percent of changes –6.1% after 2 months of stimulated LA sessions compared to before laser therapy. Also, more than 15 sessions gave 95% sensitivity, 100% specificity for successful significant response, and the number of LA sessions had a significant good utility in predicting successful responses in weight reduction and BMI management. Conclusion The upgrading of the conducted LA sessions had a promising value in different grades of obesity and was safely applicable for BMI management.