In this study, a 18-week, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness, efficacy and safety of acupuncture on weight control in Hong Kong.
This is a pilot single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial. 72 participants will be randomly assigned to acupuncture group or control group. The duration of the treatment will be 8 weeks with 2 sessions per week and the follow-up period will be 8 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
72
Eight body acupuncture points will be chosen as Tianshu(ST-25), Daheng(SP-15), Daimai(GB-26), Qihai(CV-6), Zhongwan(CV-12), Zusanli(ST-36), Fenlong(ST-40), Sanyinjiao(SP-6). The needles will be retained for 30 minutes. Participants of the treatment group will additionally receive unilateral auricular acupressure at four auricular points as Hunger, Shen men, Spleen and Stomach with Semen Vaccariae embedded within adhesive tape in each treatment session. Acupressure will be applied by the subjects with repeat pressing of the tape with fingertips for 3 minutes per point, 3 times per day. The embedded tape will be retained in-situ until the next visit and then the alternate side of ear will be treated.
Change in body weight during treatment and follow up
measured by Omron KARADA Scan Body Composition \& Scale
Time frame: The change in body weight will be assessed every two weeks during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) during treatment and follow up
The change in Body Mass Index (BMI) will be measured by Omron KARADA Scan Body Composition \& Scale
Time frame: The change in BMI will be assessed every two weeks during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
Change in waist circumference during treatment and follow up
Time frame: The change in waist circumference will be assessed every two weeks during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
Change in hip circumference
Time frame: The change in hip circumference will be assessed every two weeks during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
Change in body fat percentage during treatment and follow up
The change in body fat percentage will be measured by Omron KARADA Scan Body Composition \& Scale
Time frame: The change in body fat percentage will be assessed every two weeks during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
Number of patients with adverse events after treatment
Time frame: Number of patients with adverse events after treatment will be recorded and compared among the two groups during 8-week treatment and 8-week follow up
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