The Use of Complementary and Alternative Treatments in Adolescent Obesity: A Narrative Review.

Researchers reviewed studies on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for obesity in teenagers aged 12-17 years. They searched medical databases and found 29 studies that met their criteria out of 240 initially identified articles. The review examined whether these treatments helped reduce body mass index (BMI) or improve metabolic markers related to obesity.

The most promising results came from acupuncture and yoga interventions. Acupuncture-based treatments showed BMI reductions of 2-4 points, which is comparable to results achieved with Liraglutide, a prescription medication used for weight management. Yoga-based programs resulted in BMI reductions of 1-2 points, similar to what is seen with physical activity programs and Orlistat, a mild weight-loss medication. Other treatments like herbal supplements showed improvements in metabolic markers associated with obesity, though not necessarily in BMI itself. Stress-reduction techniques and certain exercise programs also demonstrated positive effects on BMI.

For adolescents struggling with obesity, these findings suggest that acupuncture may be a viable complementary treatment option alongside conventional approaches like diet and exercise. The BMI reductions observed with acupuncture were noteworthy and comparable to pharmaceutical interventions. However, the researchers noted that most studies had small numbers of participants, which limits how strongly we can interpret the results. Larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits and better understand how acupuncture works for weight management in teenagers. If considering acupuncture for adolescent obesity, consult with a licensed acupuncturist who has experience working with pediatric and adolescent populations.

This narrative review analyzed 29 studies examining CAM treatments for adolescent obesity in patients aged 12-17 years, identified from 240 PubMed and Scopus articles. Acupuncture-based interventions demonstrated the most significant BMI reductions of 2-4 points, comparable to GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide efficacy. Yoga interventions showed more modest BMI reductions of 1-2 points, similar to physical activity interventions and Orlistat outcomes. Herbal supplements and other botanicals showed improvements in metabolic parameters rather than direct BMI reduction. Mind-body stress interventions and specialized exercise programs also demonstrated measurable BMI improvements. Most included studies were RCTs; however, small sample sizes represent a significant methodological limitation affecting generalizability. The review supports acupuncture as a potentially effective adjunctive treatment for adolescent obesity, with effect sizes rivaling pharmaceutical interventions. Larger, adequately powered trials are needed to establish definitive clinical protocols and confirm long-term efficacy in this population.