Therapeutic Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding in Abdominally Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Introduction: Acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been proved to be beneficial in weight control among obese women. Acupoint catgut embedding treatment, a derivative type of acupuncture, is considered to be more effective than acupuncture and electroacupuncture in reducing weight. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of acupoint stimulation by catgut embedding in obese women. The influence of catgut embedding on obesity-related hormones was also examined. Subject/Methods: In this randomized, double-blind trial, ninety obese women with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m² and waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm were randomized to catgut embedding group A (n = 45) and sham catgut embedding group B (n = 45) for 6-week treatment with frequency 1 time/week. Body weight (BW), BMI, and WC were measured at the beginning and after 6 weeks along with biochemical data, obesity-related hormones and quality of life. Results: After 6-week treatment, BW reduction in catgut embedding group A was greater than sham catgut embedding group B (-1.65 kg vs. -0.38 kg, p < 0.001). Greater WC reduction was also noted in group A compared to group B (4.84 cm vs. 1.68 cm, p = 0.04). The trend of triglyceride and glycohemoglobin also revealed decline after catgut embedding treatment. Leptin to adiponectin ratio was shown to decrease significantly (3.0 ± 4.8 to 1.9 ± 1.6, p = 0.043) following the catgut embedding treatment. No serious adverse events were reported during the treatment course. Conclusions: Under complete antiseptic condition, catgut embedding is a safe and effective adjunct treatment in reducing weight and WC in obese women, which is likely through improving leptin resistance in obese women.