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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Journal of Evidence-...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
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Acupuncture for Treatment of Obesity: An Umbrella Review

Authors: Min, Chen; RuiRui, Wu; Rui, Chen; Qiong, Guo; Ya, Deng; Yuan, Wang; Youlin, Long;

Acupuncture for Treatment of Obesity: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Systematic reviews on acupuncture for obesity report conflicting findings, and the certainty of this evidence remains unclear. This umbrella review appraises the evidence to identify which effects on body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW) are supported by high‐quality findings. Methods We conducted an umbrella review by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through April 28, 2025 to obtain systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating acupuncture interventions for obesity. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality using a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews (AMSTAR) and evidence quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). We identified best evidence from high‐quality systematic reviews with high or moderate GRADE ratings. Results Our analysis included 22 systematic reviews encompassing 60 meta‐analyses. Seventeen reviews (77.3%) achieved high methodological quality ratings according to AMSTAR criteria. Five meta‐analyses provided high‐quality evidence consistently demonstrating significant benefits of acupuncture interventions. The strongest evidence supported acupuncture combined with lifestyle interventions compared to lifestyle interventions alone for both BMI and BW outcomes. Additional high‐quality evidence demonstrated significant benefits for acupuncture versus no treatment and versus sham acupuncture. Fourteen meta‐analyses provided moderate‐quality evidence confirming acupuncture effectiveness, with no significant differences between acupuncture and pharmaceutical treatments. Conclusions Based on high‐quality evidence, clinicians can recommend acupuncture to patients with obesity, particularly as adjunctive therapy to lifestyle interventions. For patients unable to tolerate pharmacological treatments, acupuncture represents a reasonable alternative. However, optimal benefits require integration with comprehensive lifestyle modifications rather than standalone use.

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Keywords

Acupuncture Therapy, Humans, Obesity, Body Mass Index, Systematic Reviews as Topic, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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