September/October 2026 Vol 32.5Combined Effects of Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Intervention on Childhood Simple Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ji-U Choi KMD, Eun-Jin Kim KMD, PhD, Sang-Yeon Min KMD, PhD, Young-Shin Shim KMD
Abstract:
Objective: Childhood simple obesity is a metabolic condition associated with an increased risk of complications, including impaired growth, psychological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of combined herbal medicine (HM) and lifestyle interventions (LI) in managing childhood simple obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods: A comprehensive search of 12 databases in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese was performed from June 24 to June 30, 2025. RCTs comparing HM combined with LI versus LI alone were included. Data were synthesized using RevMan version 5.4; standardized mean differences (SMDs), risk ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The certainty of evidence was appraised using the GRADE framework. Potential publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger's test, fail-safe N, and the trim-and-fill method using the meta package in R Studio version 4.5.1.
Results: Twenty-two RCTs involving 1694 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared to LI alone, combined HM and LI approach yielded significantly greater reductions in body mass index (SMD = -1.09, 95% CI: -1.47 to -0.71; P < .00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.56; P < .00001), triglycerides (SMD = -0.73, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.60; P < .00001), and total cholesterol (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI:-1.20 to -0.80; P < .00001). The total effective rate also improved significantly (RR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.31; P < .00001). Notably, the incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.58 to 2.49; P = .62).
Conclusion: The HM and LI combination may be a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option for childhood simple obesity. Nonetheless, rigorously designed RCTs with extended follow-up and standardized safety assessments are needed to validate these findings.
INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202560096
Keywords: childhood, simple obesity, lifestyle intervention, herbal medicine, meta-analysis Open Access: Yes Click here for full text
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