Highlights
This review recommends an integrative approach of acupuncture in combination with other therapeutic strategies in the weight management of women with obesity and the treatment of adiposity-incurred illnesses.
Editor’s Summary
This literature review analyses 25 clinical studies, involving 2407 participants aged 13-65 in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, offering recommendations for the reliability and validity of acupuncture in the treatment of women’s obesity and adiposity-incurred illnesses.
Abstract
In addition to higher risks of various obstetric and gynaecological illnesses among women with obesity or who are overweight, maternal adiposity threatens the lifetime health of their offspring. Diverse treatments are provided, including complementary and alternative medicine such as Chinese medical practices. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicinal method, is increasingly being applied to this health problem. This literature review analyses 25 clinical studies, involving 2407 participants aged 13-65 in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America. This illustrates the use of acupuncture alone or with other approaches to control body weight, obesity-induced diseases, and gynaecological health. Although positive indicators are presented, this study offers recommendations for enhancing reliability and validity in further research. It therefore suggests the use of acupuncture in dealing with obesity due to its efficacy, and economic and safety benefits.