Efficacy of Abdominal Acupoints Catgut Embedding Combined with Auricular Acupressure Therapy for Abdominal Obesity: A Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Introduction:

Obesity rates are rising, and abdominal catgut embedding is a promising intervention for abdominal obesity. Auricular acupressure therapy is another promising therapy for weight loss. The combination of both treatments for abdominal obesity was yet to be investigated in a single-blind randomized control trial.

Methods:

A single-blind randomized control trial involving two groups in a 1:1 ratio, both groups received abdominal catgut embedding therapy. The intervention group also received auricular acupressure therapy on weight loss acupoints. The control group also received auricular acupressure therapy on nonweight loss acupoints. Main outcomes: body weight, body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and secondary measurements: triglycerides and total cholesterol, follow-up was 12 weeks.

Results:

There were 44 participants included in the study, at baseline there was no significant difference in any of the measurements (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio and a significant increase in BMR when comparing baseline to the 12-week measurement within the intervention group participants (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The study found that the combination of abdominal catgut embedding with auricular acupressure therapy can lead to a minimal reduction in fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio along with an increase in BMR in individuals with abdominal obesity. The small sample size of the study should be taken into consideration as a major limitation of the study. More research is warranted to verify the effect of the combined treatment.