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Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for Body Fat Loss in Female Patients with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Restrospective Chart Review

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(2):63-74
Publication date (electronic) : 2025 June 1
doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25018
Soyoung Park1orcid_icon, Min-jeong Park1orcid_icon, Eunjoo Kim1,2orcid_icon, Young-Woo Lim1,2,orcid_icon
1Nubebe Obesity Research Institute
2Nubebe Korean Medical Clinic Bundang Center
Correspondence to: Young-Woo Lim, Nubebe Obesity Research Institue, 130 Seochojungang-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06634, Korea, Tel: 070-5148-7650, E-mail: cash389@hanmail.net
Received 2025 April 9; Revised 2025 April 18; Accepted 2025 May 22.

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Gamitaeeumjowee-tang on body weight and body composition in patients with sarcopenic obesity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 51 adults with sarcopenic obesity who registered for a weight loss program with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for 12 weeks. Body weight, body composition including body fat mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index was measured before and after the intervention.

Results

A total of 51 patients were included in this study. After 12 weeks of treatment, the average weight loss rate was 6.52±3.4% (p<0.001) and body fat mass was significantly decreased by 15.85±8.4% (p<0.001). While fat free mass, skeletal muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index showed no significant changes. The number of patients with sarcopenic obesity significantly decreased from 51 to 20 (60.8%, p<0.001). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Gamitaeeumjowee-tang reduced body fat without compromising muscle mass in female patients with sarcopenic obesity. This suggests Gamitaeeumjowee-tang could be a promising treatment option, but further research including muscle strength assessments and additional interventions is needed.

Keywords: Sarcopenia; Obesity; Weight loss; Gamitaeeumjowee-tang
Fig. 1

Flowchart of a retrospective chart review

Composition of Gamitaeeumjowee-tang

Baseline Characteristics

Body Weight and Body Composition Change after taking Gamitaeeumjowee-tang

Adverse Events Reported from 51 patients

Adverse Events According to System Organ Classes

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Article information Continued

Fig. 1

Fig. 1

Flowchart of a retrospective chart review

Table 1

Composition of Gamitaeeumjowee-tang

Ingredient Dose (g)/day
Ephedrae Herba 16.0–24.0
Rehmanniae Radix Preparat 8.0
Coicis Semen 8.0
Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens 4.0
Acori Gramineri Rhizoma 3.3
Zizyphi Semen 3.3
Alismatis Rhizoma 2.6
Scutellariae Radix 1.3
Schizandrae Fructus 1.3
Puerariae Radix 1.3
Asparagi Tuber 1.3
Angelicae Tenuissimae Radix 1.3
Longanae Arillus 1.3
Castanea Mollissima 1.3
Liriopis Tuber 1.3
Total Amount 55.6–63.6

Table 2

Baseline Characteristics

Variables Total (n=51)
Age (years) 37.08±11.0
Female (%) 51 (100%)
Body weight (kg) 56.76±3.0
ASMI (kg/m2) 5.49±0.1
BMI (kg/m2) 23.03±1.5
Skeletal muscle mass (kg) 18.24±1.0
Fat free mass (kg) 34.46±1.8
Body fat mass (kg) 22.30±2.6
Percentage of body fat (%) 39.21±3.1
Days of drug (day) 87.94±3.6

Data are expressed mean±standard deviation.

ASMI: appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, BMI: body mass index

Table 3

Body Weight and Body Composition Change after taking Gamitaeeumjowee-tang

Variables Initial value Final value Change
Body weight (kg) 56.76±3.0 53.06±3.4 3.70±1.0*
ASMI (kg/m2) 5.49±0.1 5.49±0.2 0.01±0.2
BMI (kg/m2) 23.03±1.5 21.52±1.5 1.52±0.8*
Skeletal muscle mass (kg) 18.24±1.0 18.15±1.1 0.09±0.6
Fat free mass (kg) 34.46±1.8 34.29±1.9 0.16±1.0
Body fat mass (kg) 22.30±2.6 18.77±2.9 3.53±1.9*
Percentage of body fat (%) 39.21±3.1 35.23±3.7 3.97±2.5*

Data are expressed mean±standard deviation.

ASMI: appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, BMI: body mass index

*

P<0.001, paired t-test.

Table 4

Adverse Events Reported from 51 patients

Variables 2–6 weeks 10–14 weeks
Causality (WHO-UMC)
Possible 29(59.2) 8(50.0)
Unlikely 20(40.8) 8(50.0)
Conditional/unclassified 0(0.0) 0(0.0)
Total 49(100.0) 16(100.0)
Severity (CTCAE v5.0)
Mild (Grade 1) 48(98.0) 15(93.8)
Moderate (Grade 2) 1(2.0) 1(6.2)
Severe (Grade 3) 0
Total 49(100.0) 16(100.0)

Data are expressed in number (%).

WHO-UMC: World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre, CTCAE: Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

Table 5

Adverse Events According to System Organ Classes

System-organ classes Symptom 2–6 weeks 10–14 weeks
Gastro-intestinal system disorders Constipation 2(4.1) 3(18.8)
Heartburn 2(4.1) 1(6.3)
Nausea 10(20.4) 2(12.5)
Autonomic nervous system disorders Dry mouth 5(10.2) 0(0.0)
Throat dry 2(4.1) 0(0.0)
Sweating increased 3(6.1) 0(0.0)
Palpitation 2(4.1) 1(6.3)
Central & peripheral nervous system disorders Dizziness 2(4.1) 0(0.0)
Tremor 3(6.1) 0(0.0)
Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 10(20.4) 4(25.0)
Body as a whole - general disorders Leg pain 0(0.0) 1(6.3)
Skin and appendages disorders Itching 1(0.0) 0(0.0)
Reproductive disorders, female Menstrual irregularity 2(4.1) 2(12.5)
Platelet, bleeding & clotting disorders Anal hemorrhage 1(2.0) 0(0.0)
Cardiovascular disorders, general Hypotension postural 1(2.0) 0(0.0)
Eye disorders blurred vision 1(2.0) 0(0.0)
Ear and Labyrinth disorders Tinnitus 1(2.0) 0(0.0)
Renal and urinary disorders Urinary frequency 1(2.0) 0(0.0)
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Throat irritation 0(0.0) 2(12.5)
Total 49(100.0) 16(100.0)

Data are expressed in number (%).