Posts considered lots of of 1000’s of occasions on Fb promote “slimming earrings,” claimed to press on acupuncture factors to set off dramatic weight reduction. However consultants dismiss the product as scientifically unfounded, and well being businesses suggest people give attention to train and a balanced food plan.
“OMG I noticed superior outcomes solely the primary day. It helped me get in form in simply 4 weeks! I really feel more healthy than ever and all of the toxins in my physique have been eradicated,” says an August 27, 2022 Fb publish that features a video of earlier than and after photographs of people that purportedly misplaced weight with the assistance of earrings which can be claimed to press on acupuncture factors within the ear.
A screenshot of a Fb publish selling “slimming earrings” taken on September 9, 2022
AFP discovered a number of iterations of the declare via different Fb posts linking to web sites with totally different names however promoting comparable merchandise together with ShinySlim, Fiveoo, Bromyrite, Cosmitu, Vacerk and Pomidea.
However the posts, which have gathered lots of of 1000’s of views, are selling a product that has no scientific base, well being consultants and businesses say.
In response to registered dietitian Sarah Schenker, there may be some scientific work on acupuncture to assist weight reduction, however the proof and outcomes on the topic are small and blended.
Schenker instructed AFP: “It could’t be relied on for important outcomes and you continue to must food plan and train.”
Timothy Caulfield, knowledgeable in well being misinformation and a Canada Analysis Chair in Well being Legislation and Coverage, agreed.
“These merchandise are primarily based on the pseudoscientific concept that there are factors within the ear that correlate to factors within the physique. The observe is named auriculotherapy,” he mentioned, including that the few research on the subject have been “small or methodologically weak. “
In response to the US Nationwide Heart for Complementary and Integrative Well being, a Nationwide Institute of Well being (NIH) company, analysis “means that acupuncture may also help handle sure ache circumstances, however proof about its worth for different well being points is unsure.”
Caulfield additionally cautioned customers to be skeptical of a “mass produced product at a fancy and difficult well being concern” just like the earrings marketed within the Fb posts.
A screenshot of a web site selling “slimming” earrings taken on September 9, 2022
“There could also be a short-term placebo impact that helps to encourage some customers. However it’s most likely greatest simply to avoid wasting your cash,” Caulfield mentioned. “The cliché applies: If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is — particularly for weight reduction merchandise!”
The US Federal Commerce Fee additionally cautions customers: “Nothing you may put on or apply to your pores and skin will trigger you to drop some pounds. Interval.”
As an alternative, food plan and train are mandatory to attain weight reduction targets, in keeping with public well being consultants.
For weight reduction, the Nationwide Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Illnesses, additionally a part of the NIH, recommends “a wholesome consuming plan and common bodily exercise” — if these life-style adjustments should not sufficient, it says, a well being care skilled might prescribe medicines as a part of a weight-control program.
AFP Truth Verify has debunked different false provides for weight reduction merchandise right here.