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NCT Number: NCT07125716

Suture Length Effects in Acupoint Implantation for Abdominal Obesity

Obesity is a metabolic disorder and has become a global health issue with a steadily increasing prevalence. According to the Health Promotion Administration's statistical report, the overweight and obesity rate among adults in Taiwan was 50.3% between 2017 and 2020. Based on the Ministry of Health and Welfare's criteria, a BMI ≥27 kg/m² is classified as obese.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively reduce body weight with low cost and minimal side effects. Acupoint catgut embedding is a treatment method that combines traditional meridian acupuncture with modern medical materials by implanting surgical sutures into acupoints to provide continuous stimulation.

A 2022 systematic review found that catgut embedding is more effective than traditional acupuncture, requires fewer treatment sessions, and has a high safety profile. However, no studies have yet investigated whether different lengths of implanted surgical sutures affect treatment outcomes.

This study is a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed at identifying the optimal suture length for acupoint catgut embedding, in order to enhance its efficiency and therapeutic effect.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Abdominal Obesity Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Obesity, Abdominal Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Chang-Geng Medical Foundation Keelung Chang-Geng Memorial Hospital

Keelung, Taiwan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Willing to sign a written informed consent form
  • BMI ≥27 kg/m² (Ministry of Health and Welfare standard)
  • Waist circumference ≥90 cm for men
  • Waist circumference ≥80 cm for women
  • Age between 18 and 65 years

Exclusion criteria

  • Endocrine disorders (thyroid disease, pituitary disorders, and diabetes)
  • Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Heart diseases (heart failure, arrhythmia, etc.)
  • Abnormal liver function
  • Abnormal kidney function
  • Stroke within the past year
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Coagulation disorders
  • Tumors
  • Participation in weight loss treatment within the past 6 months
  • Any other condition deemed unsuitable for the trial by the physician

Treatment and study plan

1 inch

Device

1 inch suture length

0.5 inch

Device

0.5 inch suture length

Primary outcomes

  1. Waist circumference

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

Secondary outcomes

  1. hip circumference

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

  2. weight

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

  3. BMI

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

  4. VAS

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

  5. Ultrasound Fat Thickness

    Time frame: 1 week,4 week,8 week

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Different Lengths of Surgical Sutures in Acupoint Catgut Implantation on Simple Abdominal Obesity in Adults

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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