A High-Protein Regimen and Auriculomedicine for the
Treatment of Obesity: A Clinical Observation - Part 2
By Richard C. Niemtzow, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., Colonel, USAF, MC, FS,
Commander, 95th Medical Operations Squadron 30 Hospital Road Edwards AFB, CA 93524-1730*
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
In a previous article by Niemtzow, "A High-Protein
Regimen and Auriculomedicine for Treatment of Obesity: A Clinical Observation"
(Medical Acupuncture, Fall/Winter 1997/98, Volume 9, Number 2), a sustained average weight
loss of 2.7 pounds (lbs) per week, and a statistical reduction in triglycerides (TG) was
reported. Although the total cholesterol (TC) lowered clinically, it was not
statistically significant. From this previous group of patients, only 6 data points
were available for the determination of TG, TC, heavy density lipids (HDL), and light
density lipids LDL). Because of the paucity of lipid data, a larger group consisting
of 42 patients was evaluated under the same criteria, with the exception that a the
high-protein regimen underwent minor modifications to meet the minimum guidelines of the
American Dietetic Association and the United States Recommended Dietary Allowances.
METHODS
Forty-two patients were treated for simple clinical obesity
who were either self-referred or referred by their primary physician. The majority
of these patients admitted to failing popular diets and never reached their weight goal,
or were short termed successful but eventually regained weight. Patients were
evaluated to eliminate organic causes. Each patient underwent a history and physical
examination. The previous high-protein diet was prescribed with minor
modifications. Auriculomedicine was performed for each patient.
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RESULTS
The regimen was well tolerated and a statistically
significant decrease in weight and TG was observed during the 12-week period starting at
week 0. The TC decreased significantly only during the first 6 weeks starting at
week 0. HDL levels decreased in the first 3 weeks and started to rise in weeks 9 to
12. LDL appeared to decrease in the first 3 weeks and then, rose in weeks 6 to
12. TC, LDL, HDL value changes were not statistically significant long-term, but
this could be due to a diminishing sample population. There were no untoward
reactions despite a minor change in the high-protein regimen. Acceptability for the
diet remained high, Patients reported that auriculomedicine helped to prevent cravings for
carbohydrate-rich foods. After discharge from the program, 38.9% of the patients
reported a relapse.
CONCLUSION
A high-protein animal regimen in combination with
auriculomedicine was employed successfully to produce a sustained weight loss in patients
previously failing popular diets. All patients reached their weight goals losing an
average of 1.6 lbs per week. TG levels significantly decreased in a similar fashion,
whereas TC and HDL dropped significant in the first 6 weeks and 3 weeks,
respectively. LDL levles did not vary significantly. The possible homeostatic
effect of auriculomedicine and a high protein regimen on serum lipids warrant further
investigations.
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KEYWORDS
Obesity, High-Protein Regimen, Weight, Total Cholesterol,
Triglycerides, Heavy Density Lipids, Light Density Lipids, Auriculomedicine
Opinions and viewpoints expressed herein by the author and publisher are
their own and not to be considered an official expression of the Department of the Air
Force.
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BACKGROUND
Adult obesity remains a clinical challenge (1,2,3). More than 94
million American adults are overweight. In a recent article in Air Force Times, it
was reported that nearly half of Armed Forces personnel were overweight (4). Until
recently, benign obesity was considered to be the direct result of a sedentary lifestyle
plus chronic ingestion of excess calories. Although these factors are undoubtedly
the principal cause in some situations, there is now evidence for strong genetic
influences on the development of obesity. As much as 50 to 75% of obesity cases may
be explained by genetic influences (5).
Millions of dollars are spent on medical visits, diets, and exercise to
correct this condition. Even more important are the consequences of long-term
obesity linked to many comorbidities.
Acupuncture as an adjunctive solution may be appealing to certain groups
of patients, as it appears to be a natural drug-free therapeutic modality. In any
case, physician, patient, and medical insurance companies seek reliable, safe,
cost-effective solutions, and a low relapse rate to deal with this clinical disorder.
Many patients inquire whether acupuncture might be useful in the
treatment of obesity. Given the large prevalence of obesity in our society, it
appears to be a worthwhile adjunct to consider.
In a previous paper, 21 patients were observed on a combination of a
high-protein regimen and auriculomedicine (6). Weight and TG levels decreased
significantly. Clinically, it also appeared that the TC decreased, while HDL and LDL
values did not undergo significant changes. Neither of these events, however, could
be appreciated because of the small sample size. Patients reported that
auriculomedicine was helpful in maintaining compliance and prevented bingeing.
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GOAL
This paper describes a practical and safe approach to clinical obesity
when the etiology is dietary mismanagement of calories. In this observation, we
observed and followed 42 patients. The larger sample size than previously reported
on afforded an opportunity to examine more closely the weight, TG, TC, HDL, and LDL
values. The treatment protocol incorporated the same, almost exclusive,
animal-protein regimen with minor modifications as described below, and the use of
auriculomedicine (6).
Each patient decided how much weight to lose on an individual
basis. Aerobic exercise was emphasized but not required.
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