Ear stapling for weight loss: Does it work?

I'm considering having my ears stapled to help me lose weight. Does this work?

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Although ear stapling for weight loss has become a popular practice, there is no evidence that it works.

Ear stapling is loosely based on the principles of acupuncture — which involves stimulating anatomical points on the body. During the ear stapling procedure, small surgical staples are placed into the inner cartilage of each ear at a pressure point that practitioners say controls appetite. The staples, which are left in your ears for several months, supposedly curb your appetite, leading to weight loss.

However, ear stapling is a largely unregulated practice and can be dangerous if performed by an untrained practitioner in unsanitary conditions. Infection is a potential risk anytime the skin is pierced, and puncturing the cartilage of the ear increases the risk of serious infection and disfigurement.

If you are overweight, discuss proven weight-loss methods with your doctor. Weight-loss gimmicks that sound too good to be true often are.

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