Auricular Acupressure Versus an Intermittent Low-Carbohydrate Diet in Children With Overweight or Obesity With Gastric-Heat and Dampness-Obstruction Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/59856
• Publication Date: 2025-03-03T15:45:26Z
• Authors: Wen Sun; Jingwei He; Wenqin Wang; Chen Lu; Yating Lin; Yalan Dou; Weili Yan; Jian Yu
• Keywords: Acupressure

Childhood obesity frequently persists into adulthood and is associated with an increased risk earlier onset of cardiovascular disease in later life. Behavioral change strategies have been proposed as the first-line weight management approach for children adolescents obesity. Nonpharmacological interventions, such traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) auricular acupressure treatment intermittent low-carbohydrate diet (ILCD), are increasingly being investigated young obese population. However, there limited high-quality evidence about effectiveness safety control reducing cardiometabolic pediatric This study aimed to compare effect reduction between TCM (TAAT) ILCD overweight or gastric-heat dampness-obstruction syndrome. a randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants enrolled at clinic department tertiary children's hospital. must meet following criteria: (1) be aged 6 18 years, (2) overweight, (3) Recruited will 3:1 receive either TAAT self-administered 1 month: 150 group 50 group. The primary outcome body from beginning end month. Secondary outcomes included weight, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, BMI, blood pressure, fat content, indexes liver renal function, glucose metabolism, gut microbiota, syndrome scores month 3 months, respectively. Primary statistical analyses were conducted using intention-to-treat strategy. A generalized linear model was used difference groups, baseline covariate, obtain estimate mean its 95% CI, Gaussian family function identity link function. protocol approved by institutional ethical committee registered on ClinicalTrials.gov May 5, 2023, before recruitment. Recruitment began June 2023 expected completed December 2025. As November 2024, we 112 participants. trial provide effects versus among syndrome, improving risks. Exploratory aims include potential underlying mechanisms 2 kinds based biosamples. NCT05847478. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05847478. DERR1-10.2196/59856.