Shu-mu point Catgut embedding therapy for abdominal obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Obesity has become a multifactorial epidemic, affecting individuals, families, societies and countries. Abdominal obesity (AO) is the most harmful kind in obesity. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE), one of the acupuncture therapies, has been widely used in China while its efficacy has not been tested by randomized controlled trial (RCT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACE for AO. Methods: This is a randomized, participant-blind trial. A total of ninety-two patients who met the inclusion criteria for this trial will be enrolled from two independent hospitals and randomly assigned to shu-mu point group and non-acupoint group. Treatment will be conducted once every two weeks, three times for one course. There will be a total of two courses in the whole treatment, and a follow-up will be performed after four weeks of treatment. The primary outcomes are weight and waist circumference (WC). The secondary outcomes are body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Discussion: This trial will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ACE for AO, and will also observe the changes in the physical conditions of patients before and after the treatment. This trial will be first good quality clinical evidence of ACE for AO.