Ear stapling for weight loss: Does it work?

Ear stapling for weight loss isn't likely to work — and it poses a serious risk of infection.

Ear stapling is based loosely on the principles of auricular acupuncture, which involves stimulating certain points on the ear with fine needles. With auricular acupuncture, the needles are typically left in place for only a short period of time — sometimes up to one week. With ear stapling, small surgical staples are placed into the inner cartilage of each ear. The staples can be left in place for several weeks or even months. Proponents of ear stapling for weight loss claim that the staples stimulate a pressure point that controls appetite.

Although some studies suggest that acupuncture can reduce appetite, ear stapling hasn't been proved effective for weight loss. And the largely unregulated practice of ear stapling can be dangerous if done in unsanitary conditions or by an untrained practitioner. In fact, puncturing ear cartilage poses a risk of serious infection and permanent disfigurement.

If you're overweight, don't depend on ear stapling for weight loss. Instead, discuss proven weight-loss strategies with your doctor.