i had an alternative medicine healer put one in my ear a couple of times several years ago. it did help suppress my appetite. the benefit wore off after a short while, but did help get me started on modifying my "food" ;ikestyle and that's what i think long term weight control requires. meople seem to have varying degrees of success with them. the cost isn't much and i have never heard of any complications if you keep the area clean. Willybill. :)