Data anomalies and apparent reporting errors in ‘Randomized controlled trial testing weight loss and abdominal obesity outcomes of moxibustion’

Abstract

Abstract Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the best method to determine causal effects for treatments if they are well done and well reported. Good evidence about proposed treatments for obesity is needed, and Hsieh et al. (Biomed Eng Online 17:149, 2018) are to be commended for putting moxibustion to the test. However, careful evaluation of the paper reveals inconsistencies and apparent reporting errors, which raise doubts about conclusions from the study.

Keywords

• Randomization
• Clinical trials
• Moxibustion therapy
• Weight reduction
• Waist circumference
• Waist-to-hip ratio