Electro-acupuncture for adults with obesity and insulin resistance
Official title: Electro-acupuncture for the Obese Patient With Insulin Resistance: a Randomized Sham-controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Nanyang Technological University · NCT06609200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether electro-acupuncture can improve insulin resistance in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nanyang Technological University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 10, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 9, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 9, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06609200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Lowering insulin to reduce liver fat production
This study will try a short course of diazoxide to lower insulin and see if it reduces the liver's creation of new fat in adults with obesity, insulin resistance, and MASLD.
-
Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in women with PCOS and infertility
This study is trying to see if problems with energy production in cells are linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility in women.
-
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for people with obesity and MASH
This study will test whether endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty plus lifestyle changes helps adults with obesity and MASH lose weight and improve liver health compared with lifestyle changes alone.
-
Impact of weight loss on fat tissue signaling in muscles
This study is testing how losing weight affects fat tissue in muscles and whether it helps people with obesity improve their insulin sensitivity.
-
Timed-Restricted Eating for Improving Metabolic Health
This study is testing whether changing when people with obesity and insulin resistance eat can improve their metabolic health, liver fat, brain function, inflammation, and sleep quality.
-
Effects of exercise on brain insulin response
This study tests how one session of different types of exercise affects how the brain responds to insulin in people with different body weights.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.