Researchers looked at studies about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments for overweight children. They reviewed three major studies that included 68 different research projects. The treatments studied included herbal medicines, acupuncture (tiny needles), massage, and special diets. The results suggest that these TCM treatments, especially when combined together, may help reduce weight and improve health markers like cholesterol and blood sugar in children. However, the researchers noted that most studies had quality issues and more research is needed to prove these treatments really work long-term.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments (like acupuncture, herbal medicines, and massage) can help overweight children lose weight and improve their health
  • Who participated: The review looked at 68 different research studies involving children and teenagers under 19 years old who were overweight or obese. The studies came from three major systematic reviews that combined results from many smaller studies
  • Key finding: Several TCM treatments appeared to help reduce weight and body measurements in children. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion (heat therapy) and cupping with acupressure showed the most promise. No serious side effects were reported in any of the studies reviewed
  • What it means for you: TCM treatments may be helpful additions to regular weight loss methods like diet and exercise for overweight children, but they shouldn’t replace these proven approaches. More high-quality research is needed before doctors can confidently recommend these treatments

The Research Details

This was an ‘umbrella review,’ which means researchers looked at multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses (studies that combine results from many smaller studies) rather than doing their own new research. They searched three major medical databases for all studies published through August 2025 that tested TCM treatments for overweight children. They only included studies that compared TCM treatments to other treatments or lifestyle changes. Two researchers independently checked each study to make sure it met the requirements, and they rated the quality of each study using a standard checklist called AMSTAR-2.

The researchers organized the findings by treatment type: herbal medicines, acupuncture and moxibustion, acupressure and massage, and dietary therapy combined with exercise. They looked at whether these treatments reduced body weight, BMI (a measure of body fat), waist size, and other health markers like cholesterol and blood sugar. They also checked how much the studies overlapped with each other to see if researchers were studying the same things repeatedly.

This approach is important because it gives a big-picture view of what we know about TCM for childhood obesity. Instead of looking at one small study, the researchers combined information from many studies to see if there’s a real pattern. This helps doctors and parents understand whether these treatments are worth trying. It also shows where research is weak or missing, which helps scientists know what to study next

The researchers found that most of the original studies had moderate to low quality, meaning they weren’t designed perfectly. Some studies were small, some didn’t follow best practices, and some had other problems that could affect the results. The three main reviews they analyzed also had some quality issues. There was also ’evidence overlap,’ meaning many studies looked at similar things, so the findings might not be as independent as they seem. These quality issues mean we should be cautious about the results and not treat them as definitive proof

What the Results Show

Herbal medicines appeared to reduce BMI and body weight better than lifestyle interventions alone in children. Acupuncture and moxibustion (a heat therapy often used with acupuncture) improved multiple measurements including BMI, weight, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Body acupuncture (needles placed on the body) worked better than ear acupuncture (needles in the ear) for weight loss.

Cupping (using cups to create suction on the skin) combined with acupressure (pressing on specific points) ranked as the most effective treatment for reducing BMI and weight. Chuna massage (a type of Chinese massage) showed moderate benefits for weight reduction. When treatments were combined together, they seemed to work better than single treatments alone.

Across all the studies reviewed, no serious side effects or safety problems were reported. This is important because it suggests these treatments appear safe for children when done properly. However, the researchers noted that long-term safety data (following children for years) is limited

Beyond weight loss, the treatments also appeared to improve other health markers. Acupuncture and moxibustion improved total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol), and lowered fasting blood sugar levels. These improvements are important because high cholesterol and blood sugar increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The treatments also improved what TCM practitioners call ‘syndrome scores,’ which are measurements of symptoms and body functions according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles

This review adds to growing interest in TCM for childhood obesity. Previous research has been scattered and sometimes contradictory, making it hard to know what really works. This umbrella review brings together the best evidence available and shows that multiple TCM approaches have some supporting evidence. However, the researchers note that the quality of evidence is not as strong as it is for conventional treatments like diet and exercise programs. The findings suggest TCM might work best as an addition to, not a replacement for, proven weight loss methods

Several important limitations affect how much we can trust these findings. First, most of the original studies had quality problems—they weren’t designed as carefully as the best research studies. Second, there was significant overlap in the studies reviewed, meaning some research was counted multiple times in different reviews. Third, the studies were mostly short-term, so we don’t know if the weight loss lasts over months or years. Fourth, most studies were from China and Asia, so results might not apply equally to children in other parts of the world. Finally, the reviews didn’t provide enough information about how TCM treatments were actually performed, making it hard to know if results would be the same if done differently

The Bottom Line

Based on moderate-quality evidence, TCM treatments—particularly acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicines, and combined physical therapies—may be helpful additions to standard weight loss approaches (diet, exercise, and behavior changes) for overweight children. However, these should not replace proven methods. Parents considering TCM should discuss it with their child’s doctor first. Confidence level: Moderate—the evidence suggests benefit, but more research is needed

Parents of overweight or obese children might consider this information, especially if their child hasn’t had success with diet and exercise alone. Children and teenagers themselves should be involved in decisions about treatment. Healthcare providers treating childhood obesity should be aware that TCM is being studied as a possible addition to standard care. This information is less relevant for children at healthy weights. People in countries where TCM is commonly available and practiced may find this more applicable than those in areas where these treatments are rare

Based on the studies reviewed, weight loss and improvements in health markers appeared within weeks to a few months of treatment. However, most studies didn’t follow children long-term, so we don’t know if benefits last for a year or more. Realistic expectations: If TCM treatments help, you might see some weight reduction within 2-3 months, but maintaining that loss long-term requires ongoing healthy habits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using TCM treatments for weight management, track weekly weight, waist circumference measurements, and energy levels. Also note which specific TCM treatments are being used (herbal medicine type, acupuncture frequency, etc.) and any changes in appetite or eating habits. This helps identify which treatments might be working for that individual child
  • Use the app to set a goal of combining TCM treatments with proven methods: track daily water intake, physical activity minutes, and healthy meals eaten. Set reminders for TCM appointments and herbal medicine doses. Create a reward system for meeting weekly goals that doesn’t involve food
  • Establish a baseline measurement (current weight, waist circumference, energy level) before starting TCM. Check progress monthly with the app. If using herbal medicines, track any side effects or changes in digestion. Monitor whether the child feels more motivated to exercise or eat better. Share monthly progress reports with the healthcare provider to adjust the treatment plan if needed

This review summarizes research on Traditional Chinese Medicine for childhood obesity, but it is not medical advice. TCM treatments should only be used under the guidance of qualified healthcare providers and licensed TCM practitioners. These treatments should complement, not replace, proven methods like healthy eating, physical activity, and behavioral therapy. Parents should discuss any TCM treatments with their child’s doctor before starting, especially to check for interactions with any medications the child is taking. The quality of evidence for these treatments is moderate, meaning more research is needed. Long-term safety and effectiveness have not been fully established. Results may vary significantly between individuals.