Objective

2

To observe the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in treating patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampness constitution.

Methods

2

A total of 66 patients with central obesity of phlegm-dampn

ess constitution were randomly assigned to a moxibustion group (

n

=33

3 cases dropped out) and a sham moxibustion group (

n

=33

4 cases dropped out). The moxibustion group received mild moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the moxibustion was applied at Shenque (CV8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36)

30 min per session

maintaining a local skin temperature of (43±1) ℃. The sham moxibustion group received simulated moxibustion combined with lifestyle intervention; the simulated moxibustion was applied at the same acupoints

with the same session length

but with a maintained skin temperature of (37±1) ℃. Both groups were treated once every other day

three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Obesity-related physical indicators (waist circumference

hip circumference

body weight

body fat percentage

body mass index [BMI

]

)

constitution evaluation indicators (phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score

symptom score)

the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite)

the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)

and the incidence of adverse events were measured before and after treatment

and after 4 weeks of follow-up.

Results

2

Compared with before treatment

both groups showed significant reductions in waist circumference

hip circumference

body weight

body fat percentage

BMI

phlegm-dampness constitution conversion score and symptom score

IWQOL-Lite

and both anxiety and depression subscale scores of HADS after treatment and at follow-up (

P

<

0.001). These improvements were significantly greater in the moxibustion group than those in the sham moxibustion group (

P

<

0.001

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05). One patient in the moxibustion group experienced a mild burn that resolved with routine care; the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.0% (1/33) in the moxibustion group and 0% (0/33) in the sham moxibustion group

with no statistically significant differenc

e (

P

>

0.05).

Conclusion

2

On the basis of lifestyle intervention

moxibustion effectively improves obesity-related physical indicators

enhances quality of life

alleviates anxiety and depression

and improves the phlegm-dampness constitution in patients with central obesity. These benefits persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment.