Overview
The purpose of this study is to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and therapeutic methods with modern low-level laser stimulation on corresponding acupoints, applying this combined approach to the field of weight management in menopausal women. The trial aims to investigate whether lifestyle modifications in accordance with WHO guidelines (dietary control and exercise), combined with adjunctive low-level laser acupuncture, can enhance weight reduction and improve body composition more effectively than standard lifestyle interventions alone.
Description
\*Study Objective: Investigate the effects of multi-acupoint low-level laser therapy on body composition in obese menopausal women, combining traditional Chinese medicine theory with laser stimulation of specific acupoints, alongside lifestyle interventions including diet and exercise according to WHO guidelines.
\*Participants: Total: 40 women, aged 45-55 years BMI \> 24 kg/m² or waist-to-hip ratio \> 0.88 Recruited from the outpatient clinic Randomly assigned to either the laser acupuncture group or control group
\*Intervention: Experimental group: 12 sessions of laser acupuncture over 6 weeks Each session: 30 minutes, targeting 10 acupoints related to weight management Both groups: standardized diet and exercise guidance per WHO recommendations
\*Primary Endpoints: Body composition changes:Body fat mass, Body fat percentage, Skeletal muscle mass, Total body weight, Limb muscle mass, Waist-to-hip ratio
- Secondary Endpoints: Menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale, MRS), Satiety levels (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)
- Assessments:
Conducted at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment Safety and tolerability monitored throughout the study
\*Statistical Analysis: Software: SPSS Methods: Independent t-tests, paired t-tests, Chi-square tests, correlation, regression analyses Significance: p \< 0.05
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female participants aged 45 to 55 years
- No cognitive impairment or major psychiatric disorder
- Able to understand the study procedures and communicate with research staff
- Body mass index (BMI) \> 24 kg/m² OR waist-to-hip ratio \> 0.88
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant or possibly pregnant women
- Diagnosed chronic diseases currently under active treatment, including hepatitis, chronic kidney disease, chronic gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, or cancer
- Systemic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, compensated liver cirrhosis, or autoimmune disorders
- Currently receiving weight control treatment, including bariatric surgery or weight-loss medications
- History of epilepsy or seizure disorder
- Coagulation disorders or current use of anticoagulant therapy
