Plain-English translation of NCT06316310 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Obesity research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial examined whether acupoint thread embedding (ATE)—a technique where thin, biodegradable threads are placed at specific acupuncture points to stimulate them over time—could help women with overweight or obesity lose weight. The researchers compared the real treatment to a sham procedure (where the needle was placed but the thread was not inserted) to see if the treatment truly worked beyond placebo effect. Both groups also received health education about weight management.
Obesity affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and causes serious health problems. While acupoint thread embedding has been used in clinical practice for weight loss, there wasn't strong scientific evidence proving it actually works better than placebo, so this trial was designed to test its real effectiveness.
Participants received 6 treatment sessions over 12 weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. They were randomly assigned to either receive the real acupoint thread embedding treatment or the sham version, and both groups also attended health education sessions. After the 12-week treatment period ended, participants were followed for another 12 weeks to monitor their progress and any side effects.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 26, 2026 · Not medical advice
China
Sponsor
Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Enrollment target
~132 participants
Started
March 2024
Primary completion
March 2025
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
Female only
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in August 2026.