Effects of acupoint catgut embedding therapy paired with dietary intervention on tumour necrosis factor-α levels and abdominal circumference in patients with obesity

Obesity is associated with a decreased quality of life and is a risk factor for the development of other diseases. Furthermore, obesity is associated with a chronic inflammatory status that contributes to the development of metabolic dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. Acupuncture assists weight loss through the suppression of appetite and the reduction of the risk of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with dietary intervention on serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and abdominal circumference. This study was a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial involving 36 patients with obesity who were randomly divided into the following groups: catgut embedding method combined with dietary intervention (case group) and sham acupuncture combined with dietary intervention (control group). The results showed a significant difference in TNF-α levels before and after treatment within the case group and a significant difference in abdominal circumference change between the two groups. Acupoint catgut embedding combined with dietary intervention has significant effects on serum TNF-α levels and abdominal circumference in patients with obesity.