The expert explained the uselessness of "gold earrings for weight loss"

Weight loss methods using so-called gold earrings or injections of botulinum toxin into hunger points have no scientific basis and are not able to ensure sustainable weight loss. Alexander Kalyuzhin, a senior lecturer at the Department of Fundamental Medical Sciences at the State University of Education, told Izvestia on October 19.

According to him, such procedures are based on marketing claims that have not been confirmed by clinical studies.

"The so—called gold earring for weight loss, which is a method of auricular acupuncture, involves fixing a gold needle or bead on the earlobe to stimulate a "biologically active point" allegedly associated with appetite," explained Kalyuzhin.

However, as the expert explained, local stimulation of the earlobe is not able to consistently affect the complex hormonal-neural system of food intake regulation. The observed short-term effect is most likely due to placebo or concomitant behavioral changes, rather than the physiological effects of the earring itself.

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The specialist called the procedure of "blocking the hunger point with a toxin" no less dubious, involving injections of botulinum toxin into acupuncture points.

"Although this drug does reduce the transmission of nerve signals, its use for weight loss is logical mainly for intragastric interventions rather than subcutaneous injections in the ear area. The claimed effectiveness and duration of such an impact remain a marketing statement without sufficient clinical evidence," the specialist said.

Kalyuzhin warned about the potential risks of both methods. Fixing a foreign body on the earlobe can cause infection, an allergic reaction to metal, or mechanical irritation. Botulinum toxin injections carry the risk of systemic and local toxicity at the wrong dosage, and can also cause side effects, including local weakness and allergic reactions. The main danger, according to the expert, lies in replacing proven approaches to weight correction with the illusion of a "simple solution", which reduces the likelihood of achieving a sustainable result.

The expert emphasized that the only scientifically sound way to reduce weight is to comply with the law of energy balance, when calorie intake is less than their consumption. The proven path to slimness involves a balanced diet with a moderate calorie deficit and regular physical activity, rather than relying on miraculous charms or injections.

On September 10, general practitioner, cardiologist and nutritionist Philip Kuzmenko spoke about the main problem that prevents weight loss. In 70% of cases, after trying to lose weight, people gain even more weight than they initially did. A person begins to eat right and count calories, but after reaching the goal relaxes, and the weight gradually returns.

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