Weight Loss and Adverse Events According to Baseline Skeletal Muscle Mass in Overweight Patients Treated with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang : A Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: This study evaluated the associations of the Gamitaeeumjowee-tang–based weight reduction program with body weight, body composition, and adverse events in overweight patients, stratified by baseline skeletal muscle mass.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 155 women aged 20 to 59 years who were overweight (body mass index [BMI], 23 to 24.9 kg/m²) and participated in a 12-week weight reduction program with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang from 2019 to 2024. Participants were classified into a low muscle group (80% to <90% of reference skeletal muscle, n = 75) and a normal muscle group (100% to <110%, n = 80). Changes in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and skeletal muscle mass were assessed before and after treatment. Adverse events were also evaluated.Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat mass, and body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Skeletal muscle mass showed no significant change in the low muscle group but decreased slightly in the normal muscle group. The proportion achieving ≥5% weight loss was 84% in the low muscle group and 75% in the normal muscle group; ≥10% was achieved in 32% and 18.8%, respectively. Adverse events occurred mainly during the early phase, decreased over time, and were mostly mild.Conclusions: The Gamitaeeumjowee-tang–based weight reduction program was associated with fat-focused weight loss with relative muscle preservation in overweight women. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of control for diet and physical activity.