Weight control in the population with overweight and obesity: A real-world prospective cohort study

Abstract Background: The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as chronic metabolic diseases that can lead to various chronic noncommunicable diseases and a reduced lifespan. However, apart from lifestyle interventions, there is currently no clear clinical evidence for the long-term efficacy of drugs and weight loss interventions in this population. Moreover, little is known about the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine interventions in patients who are overweight or obese, the population most likely to benefit from weight loss, and the factors that influence the effectiveness of weight loss. Therefore, this study explored the clinical efficacy of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine interventions in patients who are overweight or obese. Methods: This prospective cohort study will prospectively collect case information and conducted a long-term follow-up of the enrolled patients. Patients who were overweight or obese patients will be recruited for long-term follow-up. This study aims to observe the effects of various exposure factors, represented by comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine interventions, on weight loss outcomes in participants who are overweight or obese. The primary outcome measure is a statistically significant weight loss of at least 5% relative to baseline. The rates of waist and hip circumference improvements and incidence of obesity-related complications will also be assessed. Discussion: Through a cohort study design, this project aims to achieve a long-term follow-up of patients, observe the long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine, and systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine through indicators such as the percentage of weight change and relapse rate. This project will elucidate the complex features of metabolic disorders using clinical-molecular network characteristics and reveal the metabolic disruption mechanisms and biological implications of different subtypes of overweight/obesity from a microbial perspective. Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2200063127)