Acupuncture to reduce weight and belly fat in people with prediabetes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled trial compares true acupuncture with sham acupuncture in adults aged 18–64 who meet criteria for both general and abdominal obesity and for prediabetes. Participants receive regular acupuncture sessions and outcomes tracked include body weight, waist circumference, glucose metabolism markers, and blood lipid levels. Key exclusions include endocrine causes of obesity, established diabetes, significant liver damage, and recent use of medications known to cause weight gain. The lead site is Guang'anmen Hospital in Beijing with collaborative traditional Chinese medicine hospitals participating.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

\-

Subjects are eligible to be included in the trial only if all of the following criteria apply:

1. Simultaneously meeting the diagnostic criteria for both general obesity, abdominal obesity, and prediabetes;
2. Aged 18-64 years old;
3. Informed consent obtained before any trial-related activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

\-

Subjects are excluded from the trial if any of the following criteria apply:

1. Obesity of known endocrine origin (e.g., untreated hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, established Polycystic Ovary Syndrome);
2. impaired glucose regulation due to hyperthyroidism, endocrine tumors and extensive liver damage;
3. Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes per the judgment of the investigator;
4. Current or history of treatment with medications that may cause significant weight gain, within 3 months prior to screening, including systemic corticosteroids (except for a short course of treatment, i.e. 7-10 days), antidepressants, antipsychotic, mood stabilizers, antiepileptic and hormone contraceptive;
5. History of pancreatitis or pancreatectomy;
6. Previous or planned (during the trial period) obesity treatment with surgery or a weight-loss device;
7. Current participation (or within the last month) in an organized weight reduction program or currently using or used medication for obesity or hyperglycemia within 3 months before screening: liraglutide, exenatide, pramlintide, orlistat, topiramate, phenteremine, or metformin (either by prescription or as part of a clinical trial);
8. A self-reported change in body weight \>5 kg within 3 months before screening irrespective of medical records;
9. Serious medical conditions (including but not limited to ongoing renal or hepatic insufficiency, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, hematopoietic system diseases, progressive malignant tumor or other serious consumptive diseases); history of angina pectoris, transient ischemic attack, claudication, or acute limb ischemia within the past 6 months prior to screening;
10. Serious psychiatric illness, including lifetime history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychosis, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa; current serious personality disorder, (e.g. borderline or antisocial), current severe major depressive disorder, recent (previous 6 months) suicide attempt or current active suicidal ideation, recent hospitalization due to psychiatric illness;
11. Skin infection, blood coagulation disorders and other conditions that are not suitable for acupuncture;
12. Metal allergies or severe fear of needles;
13. Pregnant or breast-feeding women or planning to become pregnant during the study period;
14. Any disorder, unwillingness, or inability, not covered by any of the other exclusion criteria, which in the investigator's opinion, might jeopardize the subject's safety or compliance with the protocol.

Where it's running

• Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
  Beijing, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zhishun Liu, PhD — Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
• Study coordinator: Zhishun Liu, PhD
• Email: zhishunjournal@163.com
• Phone: 86-010-88002331

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Pre-screening to identify adults who may be eligible for future metabolic and mental health opportunities.

  This prescreening will see if adults with metabolic conditions or mental health disorders qualify for upcoming clinical opportunities by collecting health history, basic tests, and a doctor interview.

  Recruiting Clindove Research LLC · Brooklyn, New York · NCT07106879

• Combining exercise with intermittent fasting to improve eye dryness in pre-diabetic psoriasis patients

  This study is testing if combining exercise with intermittent fasting can help reduce eye dryness in people with psoriasis and prediabetes.

  Recruiting Cairo University · Giza, Dokki · NCT06893913

• Survey to determine eligibility for cardiovascular and obesity clinical trials

  This study is trying to see if people with heart issues or obesity can join new clinical trials by having them fill out a survey and undergo some health checks.

  Recruiting Brooklyn Clinical Research · Brooklyn, New York · NCT06412536

• Comparing ketogenic and low-fat diets for diabetes management

  This study tests whether a ketogenic diet or a low-fat diet works better for managing blood sugar and overall health in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

  Recruiting University of New Mexico · Albuquerque, New Mexico · NCT06115265

• Understanding how metabolism and inflammation affect diabetes in teens

  This study is trying to see how body weight, lifestyle, and diet affect inflammation and metabolism in teens to better understand diabetes risk.

  Recruiting University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT06007404

• Culturally tailored diet intervention for adults in Puerto Rico

  This study is testing a special diet plan designed for adults in Puerto Rico to see if it can help reduce heart and diabetes risks over two years.

  Recruiting Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) · San Juan · NCT05962372

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.