Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Modifications for People with Obesity: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study.

Abstract

Objectives: Conventional Western treatments for obesity are associated with various adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to determine the treatment response and safety assessment of an integrative Korean medicine treatment (IKMT), consisting of herbal medicine (HM) and lifestyle modification (LM), for weight loss (WL) in people with obesity. Methods: The electronic medical records of outpatients from July 2021 to May 2023 at a Daeat Korean medicine clinic in Seoul were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 3161 patients were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and blood pressure (BP) index. Moreover, the treatment response to IKMT in the 24 best cases (WL within BMI < 23 kg/m²) was evaluated using BIA and BP index, and the safety profile was determined by analyzing AEs. Results: The mean age was 38.2 ± 11.39 years, and the mean duration of treatment was 142.62 ± 104.92 days (approximately 20 weeks). The mean WL was 8.02 ± 6.67 kg (change from the baseline, 8.71%). Of the 3161 participants, 2146 had a WL of ≥5%. The best-case subgroup (n = 24; age 36.54 ± 11.64 years) achieved 23.02 ± 4.07 kg WL and reached BMIs < 23 kg/m² in 7.83 ± 2.54 months; among those with BP indices available (n = 21), reductions were statistically significant. In this subgroup, the mean treatment duration was 8.71 ± 2.46 months (range, 5-15), exceeding the 6-month safety guideline for Ephedrae Herba-containing HM, and no serious AEs were observed. At the 7-month follow-up, 11 patients maintained a statistically significant WL. Conclusions: This is the first Korean study to apply the professional collaboration of IKMT and dietician-led LM to people with obesity. IKMT combined with LM appears to be a safe and effective approach for obesity management. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish standardized treatment protocols.