Comparative effectiveness of herb-partitioned moxibustion plus lifestyle modification treatment for patients with simple obesity

Abstract Objectives Lifestyle modification treatment (LMT) forms the essential basis of weight loss approaches for obesity management. However, key studies that used LMT report variable weight loss success, ranging from poor response (1–2%) to substantial weight loss (7–10%). Although the components of LMT varied in these studies, overall, the better weight loss outcomes appear to be linked to highly involved and customized LMT. Conversely, a generic intervention and limited engagement seem linked to poorer weight los outcomes, which may undermine the true potential of LMT. Here, we detail a modified-LMT (CAP-LMT) which we have used for 15,000 individuals, and that reported 9.75% weight loss in completers of a 15-wk program for 1117 patients (Dhurandhar & Kulkarni. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1993:44(2), 73–83). Methods The CAP-LMT is a structured approach that is: Compatibility-based: Often, LMT emphasizes behaviors that are ideal from a scientific perspective to which a person is expected to conform. Instead, considering that the compliance and sustainability of a treatment guides the outcome, a treatment is needed that suits an individual. This is achieved by a thorough assessment of an individual's physical and mental health, lifestyle, dietary and other preferences, allergies, culture, and social and economic status. Allocation-focused: Often dietary instructions in LMT provide a generic list of “good” and “bad” foods without quantitative guidance. To effectively create a negative energy balance, an understanding of a person's calorie needs, targeted energy deficit, and guidance for the amounts of specific foods to eat is needed. Suggestions for physical activity and other lifestyle changes should be based on personal attitudes, preferences, and health conditions. Progress monitoring: Weight-loss treatment should not end with providing one-time instructions for diet and activity. Careful follow-up to assess progress and course correction is needed based on the individual's response. Also, a change in recommended diet plans at appropriate intervals avoids monotony and increases compliance. Results n/a. Conclusions The presentation will outline a stepwise approach to construct a comprehensive, highly individualized plan for greater compliance and better weight loss outcomes in research and clinical practice settings. Funding Sources None.

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Polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints for treatment of simple obesity in adults: a randomized control trial

Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1186/s13020-019-0258-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Li-Shu Chen ◽

Yue-Ying Li ◽

Hao Chen ◽

Bo-Wen Liu ◽

Da-Wei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Control Trial ◽

Lifestyle Modification ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Polyglycolic Acid ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Control Group ◽

Embedding Therapy ◽

Simple Obesity ◽

Randomized Control

Abstract Background Acupoint catgut embedding therapy characterized by acupoint, needle and catgut are superior to traditional acupuncture, due to exerting more comprehensive therapeutic efficacy. However, it is still deficient in clinical evidence for polyglycolic acid sutures, a novel biodegradable material instead of catgut, embedded for the treatment of simple obesity. In our study, we investigate the efficacy and related mechanism of polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints on simple obese persons by a randomized control trial. Methods A total of 51 eligible participators were randomly allocated to a polyglycolic acid sutures embedding therapy (PASET) group (n = 28) or control group (n = 23). Participators in PASET group received polyglycolic acid sutures alternatively embedded in abdominal I group and II group acupoints in odd and even number therapeutic courses, and participators in control group were required to perform lifestyle modification. The duration of the study was 10 weeks. Results It suggested that PASET significantly reduced weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue compared with those before treatment (p < 0.01), but lifestyle modification only illustrated downward trend of weight (p < 0.05). Moreover, PASET group also improved the evaluated scores in aspects of physical function, self-esteem, public distress and sexual life, as well as decreased blood pressure, glycemia, low density lipoprotein, uric acid and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and increased high density lipoprotein in comparison with those before treatment (p < 0.05), whose efficacies are superior to control group. Additionally, our results also indicate PASET is relative safe and its pain and discomfort can be tolerable. Conclusions PASET distinctly ameliorates anthropometric data and quality of life in obese population, which associates with improvements of metabolic profile and inflammatory response. Based on the advantageous actions, we think PASET is an effective therapeutic approach to simple obesity treatment. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800015591. Registered 10 April 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=23258

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