Effect of electro acupuncture versus low level laser therapy on lipid profile in obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity is becoming increasingly common in the general population and is associated with several other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Abnormal blood lipids have been firmly established as a modifiable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. However, medical practice in the area of lipid management is highly variable and has not been aggressively pursued for large number of patients that may be at risk. Purpose: This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of electro acupuncture versus low level laser therapy on lipid profile in obesity. Methods: Forty five patients including both male and female with mean age 39.93±3.47 and BMI 37.98±1.24 were enrolled in the study and divided randomly in to three groups. Group A had received LLLT (632.8nm-16J/cm2) and aerobic exercises. Group B had received electro acupuncture andaerobic exercises. Group C had received aerobic exercises only. Blood samples were taken from each patient for analysis before initiation of the program and after completion of study. Results: Study showed significant improvement in three groups after the treatment but in comparison electro acupuncture group showed significant results with respect to low level laser therapy group and control group. Conclusion: Significant difference was found between electro acupuncture and low level laser therapy approaches in treating obesity. Findings of this study revealed the fact that treatment sessions of electro acupuncture were superior to low level laser therapy group in terms ofsignificant improvement in cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG levels in patients with obesity.