Overview

The clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in reducing weight and waist circumference while modulating glucose and lipid metabolism in Prediabetes with Combined Obesity.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

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Subjects are eligible to be included in the trial only if all of the following criteria apply:

1. Simultaneously meeting the diagnostic criteria for both general obesity, abdominal obesity, and prediabetes;
2. Aged 18-64 years old;
3. Informed consent obtained before any trial-related activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

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Subjects are excluded from the trial if any of the following criteria apply:

1. Obesity of known endocrine origin (e.g., untreated hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, established Polycystic Ovary Syndrome);
2. impaired glucose regulation due to hyperthyroidism, endocrine tumors and extensive liver damage;
3. Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes per the judgment of the investigator;
4. Current or history of treatment with medications that may cause significant weight gain, within 3 months prior to screening, including systemic corticosteroids (except for a short course of treatment, i.e. 7-10 days), antidepressants, antipsychotic, mood stabilizers, antiepileptic and hormone contraceptive;
5. History of pancreatitis or pancreatectomy;
6. Previous or planned (during the trial period) obesity treatment with surgery or a weight-loss device;
7. Current participation (or within the last month) in an organized weight reduction program or currently using or used medication for obesity or hyperglycemia within 3 months before screening: liraglutide, exenatide, pramlintide, orlistat, topiramate, phenteremine, or metformin (either by prescription or as part of a clinical trial);
8. A self-reported change in body weight >5 kg within 3 months before screening irrespective of medical records;
9. Serious medical conditions (including but not limited to ongoing renal or hepatic insufficiency, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, hematopoietic system diseases, progressive malignant tumor or other serious consumptive diseases); history of angina pectoris, transient ischemic attack, claudication, or acute limb ischemia within the past 6 months prior to screening;
10. Serious psychiatric illness, including lifetime history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychosis, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa; current serious personality disorder, (e.g. borderline or antisocial), current severe major depressive disorder, recent (previous 6 months) suicide attempt or current active suicidal ideation, recent hospitalization due to psychiatric illness;
11. Skin infection, blood coagulation disorders and other conditions that are not suitable for acupuncture;
12. Metal allergies or severe fear of needles;
13. Pregnant or breast-feeding women or planning to become pregnant during the study period;
14. Any disorder, unwillingness, or inability, not covered by any of the other exclusion criteria, which in the investigator's opinion, might jeopardize the subject's safety or compliance with the protocol.