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Thread Embedding Acupuncture Therapy for Weight Loss
Sponsor: Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Summary
Obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, affecting approximately 800 million adults. Excess adiposity and its numerous complications, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, impose a considerable economic burden and constitute major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Treatments that result in substantial weight reductions may improve outcomes for people living with obesity. Thread embedding acupuncture which provides long-term acupoints stimulation may be an effective treatment option for obesity. However, effects of thread embedding on obesity remain uncertain because of the small sample sizes or other methodological limitations. The objective of this multi-center, randomized, sham-controlled trial is to assess the effect of thread embedding acupuncture for alleviating weight.
Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Thread Embedding Acupuncture Therapy for Weight Loss in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
400
Start Date
2024-11-01
Completion Date
2026-10-31
Last Updated
2025-01-16
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Thread embedding acupuncture
Thread embedding acupuncture is performed using polyglycolic acido thread. Needles have a gauge size of 23G, a shaft length of 60mm, and a thread length of 50mm, folded in half, and are applied to fourteen acupoints, including Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Wailing (ST 26), bilateral Daheng (SP 15), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), bilateral Pishu (BL 20), and bilateral Weishu (BL 21). After the thread is inserted into the body, the needle will be withdrawn immediately. During the treatment period, health counseling will be provided by qualified staff at every visit, including diet and physical activity, but there will be no strict restrictions.
Sham thread embedding acupuncture
The protocol includes the same duration and frequency of sessions as for thread embedding acupuncture, but the treatment will be delivered superficially at non-acupuncture points 10mm from the lateral of the corresponding acupuncture and not above a meridian line. Needles without threads have a gauge size of 23G, and a shaft length of 60mm will be used. After the needle is inserted into the body, it will be withdrawn immediately. During the treatment period, health counseling will be provided by qualified staff at every visit, including diet and physical activity, but there will be no strict restrictions.
Locations (1)
Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China