Electro-acupuncture for adults with obesity and insulin resistance
Electro-acupuncture for the Obese Patient With Insulin Resistance: a Randomized Sham-controlled Clinical Trial
This study will test whether electro-acupuncture can improve insulin resistance in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nanyang Technological University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT06609200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Sixty adults with obesity and elevated HOMA-IR will be randomized to receive either electro-acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Treatments use acupuncture needles with electrical stimulation at prescribed points, delivered at a clinic setting. The trial compares changes in insulin resistance and safety outcomes between the two groups over the treatment period. Participants are screened to exclude diabetes, major cardiac or endocrine disorders, pregnancy, and recent use of weight-control medications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 21–65 with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and HOMA-IR ≥2.14 who are not diabetic and have not used other weight-control measures or medications affecting insulin sensitivity in the past three months.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, active endocrine or major cardiac disease, pacemakers, bleeding disorders, impaired liver or kidney function, pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent large weight change, or current medications that affect insulin sensitivity are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, electro-acupuncture could provide a non-drug option to help reduce insulin resistance and support weight-management efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior trials of electro-acupuncture for insulin sensitivity and weight have reported mixed but occasionally positive results, so evidence is limited and not definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged between 21 and 65 years old * BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 * HOMA-IR ≥ 2.14, (HOMA-IR = fasting insulin (ųU/mL)\* fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5) * Not receiving any other weight control measures or any medical and/or drug history in the last 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes mellitus * Treating with drugs that may affect insulin sensitivity * Changes 10% of usual body weight in the previous 6 months weight * Endocrine diseases, including thyroid disorder, pituitary disorder, sex gland disorder, etc. * Heart diseases, including arrhythmia, heart failure, and myocardial infarction, participants with pacemakers * Allergy and immunology diseases * Bleeding tendency * Pregnant or lactating women * Impaired hepatic or renal function * Stroke or unable to exercise
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linda Zhong, Ph.D. — nanyang technological university traditional chinese medicine clinic
- Study coordinator: Linda Zhong, Assoc prof
- Email: linda.zhong@ntu.edu.sg
- Phone: +65 8864 9477
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.